An introduction to caring for your Dog

A dog will require love, care, attention and a commitment to
look after them during their life which could be 10-15 years or
hopefully longer. The commitment required includes not only
routine feeding, care and time spent with your dog but also the
provision of veterinary treatment if the dog becomes ill. The
following basic steps will get you off to a good start and
ensure that your dog is a happy, healthy pooch!

Brushing your Dog’s teeth

First off you need 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 their mouth and extra
soft bristles. Another option to consider is the finger
toothbrush that fits over the tip of your finger.

Having found the toothbrush that suits you and your dog you next
need to select an appropriate toothpaste. The best dog
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.

So having purchased your toothbrush and your toothpaste you are
now probably thinking “so exactly how do I do this!” Well don’t
worry it’s not as frightening or as difficult as you might be
thinking! All we need to do is to get the brush with paste into
your dog’s mouth and all the teeth brushed. Easier said than
done you are probably thinking as you anticipate calling your
friendly pooch over to have his teeth cleaned! Well actually yes
it is easier than you think if you adopt the right approach!

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

Most dogs love to play and hours of enjoyment can be had by all
concerned if that play is done in a sensible way and avoids what
I will term “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 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.

Exercising Your Dog

Now every dog needs to be exercised and that again can be
something that brings a great deal of enjoyment to both you and
your little (or not so little!) friend. There are a few basic
considerations when exercising your Dog. 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 he’s still
growing, as his bones aren’t 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 dog’s
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 as they are for you and I. Unfortunately, too often
dogs 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 dog food is a good centerpiece for
a healthy diet. If your dog is active enough to burn the
calories, most dogs 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 dog always has access to clean drinking water.

If you look after him you will have a great life together!