Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world for good reason. These faithful, canine companions are simply pleasant to have around. They’re cute, they’re entertaining, they’re loving and they each have different and unique personalities that we grow to love.
When you have a dog, they quickly become part of the family. It is important, of course, to remember that when you have a dog, you take on a lot of responsibility. They are completely dependent on you throughout the course of their entire life. It will be entirely your responsibility to ensure that they have everything they want and need to lead a healthy, happy life. Here are some areas that you can focus on to achieve this!
Access to Veterinary Care
Many people neglect this important element of pet care, thinking that vets are only for emergency situations and that this is unlikely to happen to their pets. You need to make sure that your dog always has the access they need to veterinary care, and unless you have a huge amount of savings, this means investing in pet insurance.
This will ensure your pet can be seen in cases of injuries or illness without you having to neglect their health or wellbeing due to being unable to afford care. You also need to visit the vets for less urgent concerns, such as routine fleeing, deworming, dental care, and recommendations on CBD for Dogs.
Quality Food
Let’s start out with one of the basics. You need to make sure that your dog is eating enough and that the food you’re providing them with is of good quality. Now, different breeds have different requirements, as sizes can vary from chihuahuas to Great Danes.
But if you’re unsure how much your dog should be eating, you can consult your vet who will give some good recommendations. Find a good food within your budget and ensure that it has as high a meat content as possible. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, your vet may recommend specialist foods that will support their stomach and digestion.
Walks
Every dog needs to be walked. This is basic. Again, different breeds have different requirements. Some dogs need a lot of exercise – hours on hours worth a day – while others will be completely content and worn out by a half an hour stroll in the park. Make sure to look into your breed’s requirements to ensure that you’re walking them enough. You should also make sure that your dog has a quality harness and lead for their walks, as this will ensure that they are safe and secure at all times.
Grooming
Different breeds also have different grooming requirements. If your dog sheds and has short hair, chances are, you can bathe them at home as and when required. If your dog has curly, non-shedding hair or long hair, you may need to book them in with a professional groomer every two to three weeks. This will help to professionally maintain their hair through a process of cutting, washing, and blow-drying.
These are just a few of the absolute basics you need to ensure you’re providing your dog with. Hopefully, some of the suggestions above can help give you some guidance!