5 Essential Tips for Taking Care of a Dog

Are you one of the 53% of U.S. homes with a dog? Whether you’re pet sitting or getting a new pooch, you want to be a responsible owner. And with the right care, your dog can be healthy and active.

Read on to learn the five essential tips for taking care of a dog!

1.Make Time for Playtime

Keeping a dog happy means committing to regular playtime. This is particularly true for more active breeds, such as German Shepherds and Terriers. Have plenty of chew toys and balls to play fetch!

Playtime can morph into exercise and socialization, too. Let a new puppy interact with lots of people so they’re comfortable with new environments and scents. And take them on walks or spend afternoons at the dog park to blend playtime with exercise.

2.Spend Time Training Your Dog

Training a dog is a critical step to stave off misbehavior and build better social skills. Focus on basic commands so your dog knows how to sit, stay, and come. When your dog’s in a crowded area, you want them to know you’re their master.

Use rewards, such as dog treats, to incentivize obedience. And work in shorter chunks of time. For instance, you could try doing two 15-minute training sessions per day to get started.

3.Provide Food and Water

When caring for a dog, be critical about the food your pup eats. Avoid foods with lots of preservatives or “meat meal.” These are indicators that the protein content is low and the sodium content is high.

A good rule of thumb is to provide one ounce of water for each pound your dog weighs. Do this on a daily basis. And clean and disinfect your dog’s bowl to avoid bacteria buildup.

Additionally, make sure your pup can access food and water if you’re away. Adding dog doors will ensure that they can scamper over for a drink whenever they’re thirsty!

4.Make Grooming a Priority

Wondering how to take care of a dog? Brush its coat! Doing this every few days can help your dog’s coat look better — and help with shedding problems.

This also will help your pooch avoid matted hair and flea infestations. Further, you’ll be able to spot any potentially dangerous health situations. If you notice rashes, lumps, or infections, you’ll want to seek a veterinarian.

5.Get Regular Veterinary Care

. They’ll administer vaccines for issues like rabies and distemper during a visit.

They’ll also complete a physical evaluation. During this time, they’ll assess your dog’s coat, mental alertness, and eyes. They’ll also check their abdomen, lymph nodes, and mouth to confirm everything looks normal.

Master Taking Care of a Dog

Taking care of a dog can be a rewarding experience when you know the basics. You’ll keep your dog active and social with regular playtime and a good diet. And you’ll want to make time to visit a trusted veterinarian and stay on top of grooming.

For more tricks to keep your pets happy, check back for new and helpful articles.