Dog Care – How To Care For Your Dog

A dog will require care, attention and a commitment to look
after it during its life which could be 10-15 years or longer.
The commitment required includes not only routine feeding, care
and time spent with the dog but also the provision of veterinary
treatment if the dog becomes ill. Written below is some thing
about dog caring:

Brushing your Dogs Teeth

How to brush your dog’s teeth?

Step one is to pick an appropriate pet toothbrush. Save yourself
time by not buying a child’s toothbrush which is usually too
hard for dogs. The ideal dog toothbrush will have a long handle,
an angled head to better fit the mouth and extra soft bristles.
Another option is the finger toothbrush that fits over the tip
of your finger.

Step two is to select appropriate toothpaste. The best pet
toothpastes contain enzymes that help control plaque. Try to
avoid toothpastes with baking soda, detergents, or salt
sometimes found in human pastes. Fluoride may be incorporated to
help control bacteria. Rather than placing the paste on top of
the brush try to place it between the bristles. This allows the
paste to spend the most time next to the teeth.

Step three is to get the brush with paste into your dog’s mouth
and all the teeth brushed. Most dogs accept brushing if they are
approached in a gentle manner. If you can start when they are
young, it’s quite easy, but even older pets will accept the
process. Start slowly, you can use a washcloth or piece of gauze
to wipe the teeth, front and back in the same manner you will
eventually be using the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for
about two weeks and your dog should be familiar with the
approach. Then take the pet toothbrush, soak it in warm water
and start brushing daily for several days. When your dog accepts
this brushing, add the pet toothpaste.

Dangerous Toys

Sticks and bones can splinter and cause choking or vomiting or
they can perforate the mouth, throat or intestine. Hard bones
can easily damage teeth. Instead, use hard, non-splintering chew
toys to play fetch or to allow your pet to gnaw.

A chewing pet can shred soft, latex toys. If the toy includes a
squeaking mechanism, the squeaker can be easily swallowed or
cause choking.

Towels, socks, underwear and other similar clothing or materials
can be swallowed by a rambunctious pet, causing intestinal
obstruction.

Some dogs like to chew on or eat rocks-bad idea! Rocks can cause
broken teeth and serious intestinal obstruction if swallowed.

Be careful if you offer your pet rawhides, as these can also
cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed, and some are
preserved with arsenic, which is toxic to pets.

Be aware of sharp objects that can cut skin, feet, eyes or ears.

Paint and wood preservatives can also be toxic to your feathered
friend.

Exercising Your Pet

Whenever you are near a road, or wherever your dog is likely to
cause a nuisance if he runs free, you should keep him on a lead.
Both you and your dog will be much happier if he’s well trained.
Remember that not everyone is as fond of dogs as you are and you
must respect their feelings. Keep your dog under control at all
times. Part of your walk should take your dog over hard ground,
as this will help to keep his nails short.

Don’t make the mistake of over-exercising your dog if hes still
growing, as his bones arent yet strong enough to cope with the
extra stress this puts on him. Little and often is the rule
until your dog grows to full strength. Remember that large
breeds mature later than small breeds. Ask the breeder or your
vet for their advice.

Regular and varied walks are not just essential to keep your dog
fit. They also give him the chance to explore and to experience
new stimuli, including meeting other dogs. This will help him
develop into a contented and well-adjusted dog, and avoid
developing problem behavior. Make sure you supervise your dogs
exercise. Do not allow him to stray and never put him outside
for the day to fend for him while you’re gone.

Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy

Once you’ve brought home your new pet, you’ll want to have a
long and happy life together. Here are some ways to make that
happen.

Eating well and getting enough exercise are as important for
dogs and cats as they are for people. Unfortunately, too often
pets pick up the same bad habits, and health problems, as people
do. Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity related arthritis are
problems that are often preventable with a good diet and regular
exercise.

A high quality dry pet food is a good centerpiece for a healthy
diet. If your pet is active enough to burn the calories, most
dogs and cats love canned food. It can be mixed with dry food or
put out separately as a treat. Some people like to leave food
out all the time so that their pets can nibble when hungry while
others prefer to have regular feeding times. Either way, make
sure that pets always have access to clean drinking water.

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