Beginners Guide to Dog Health: How to Take Care of Your Dogs?

Posted on 13 December, 2021

Photo by Ivana La on Unsplash

Written by Dur-e-Sabih

Are you planning to get a dog? Remember, dogs are high-maintenance pets and require acute care, training, and diet. But, do not worry. Becoming the best caretaker of these furry friends is not impossible.

This guide will provide you with all details related to the dog’s health. So, read carefully and jot down these tips before bringing the adorable pups to your home:

Essential Requirements of a Dog

Like every other pet, dogs also require basic food, shelter, and water to survive. But our aim is to maintain the good health of the dog. Therefore, we need to take special care of nutrition, exercise, and emotional attachment. Let us discuss these basic elements in detail:

1. Food and Water

Getting dog food from the nearby super-mart is not difficult. Apart from it, you can also treat the pup with some homemade food items. But, do not forget to follow these basic guidelines:

Never over-feed your dog. It can bring obesity and heart problems. Therefore, always follow the diet chart as per the weight and age.
When you are giving homemade food, calculate the calories and nutrition.
At times, we give extra carbs and nutrition in the form of snacks and treats. Be careful in calculating the daily nutrition intake.
If you have a pup, give a meal in four portions. After six months, increase the meal portion gradually. If there are no digestive issues, start giving meals two times a day.
Always use stainless steel bowls for providing water. Never go for the plastic bowls as they have a high probability of catching bacteria. Also, make sure that the water is clean and fresh.

Furthermore, always check the ingredient list of readymade food before giving it to the dog. Some food items are not suitable for the dog’s health. These items are:

Avocados
Garlic
Onion
Raw eggs
Alcohol
Dairy products
Dough prepared from yeast
Bacon
Grapes
Salty food

2. Space

While reading a guide to dog health, I found space as an important element. These cannel cuties are social animals. Instead of staying alone for hours, they love to play with their owner. So, make sure to set up a play place where your do can play with ease.

However, maintaining a separate space for sleep time is mandatory. Your pet will sleep for 12 -20 hours, depending upon the age and breed.

3. Exercise

Just like in humans, exercise prevents behavioural problems in dogs. Chasing, tugging, running around, and playing with the favourite toy are some healthy activities. Set a routine and make your dog get habitual of these exercises. Taking your dog for a morning walk is also great for its health.

4. Grooming

Things like regular cleaning, brushing, and parasite checking are essential for a dog’s grooming. If you are a beginner, you can easily contact professional groomers.

5. Training

If you want to spend a peaceful and happy life with a canine friend, focus on training. From puppyhood, dogs can learn how to behave and act in certain situations. Firstly, set some rules and let your dog follow them. It will be easier for the dog to follow if you set a routine. This routine will make the dog realize how and when to do some activities.

Furthermore, focus on potty training and socializing. Basic house training is also important. Where to sleep, play, and when to roam around are some basic teachings. Remember, training requires a lot of hard work and consistency. If you find it difficult, you can hire or take your dog to professional trainers.

Health Care Guidelines

From early puppyhood, you need to follow some basic healthcare guidelines to prevent illnesses. These guidelines are listed below:

1. Oral Care

Never ignore the oral care of your dog. Regular brushing of teeth, checking gums, and giving chew toys are important. Besides this, you should take the dog for a dental visit. The following things indicate the need for a piece of immediate advice from a vet:

Blood in saliva
Difficulty in swallowing food
Eating food from one side of the mouth
Unusual drooling

2. Paw Care

Sadly, pups face a lot of wear and tear in their paws. A lot of dust dirt sticks to the paws, making the dogs feel uncomfortable. You need to check their paws and wash them with a gentle dog-friendly soap. In case of irritation and dryness, make them wear some comfortable booties.

3. Joint Care

Joint-related illnesses like arthritis are common in some breeds. For instance, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labs are more prone to joint problems. Some breeds even suffer from congenital joint problems and disorders, German Shepherd puppies along with most purebred puppies are reported to develop Dyschondroplasia, Dystrophy-like Myopathies, and Glycogen Storage Disease etc. However, a wide range of nutrition is available to resolve this issue. Make sure to discuss your dog’s joints in your visit to a vet.

4. Warning Signs

Though you are taking good care of your dog’s health, knowing all the warning signs of illnesses is essential. These signs are mentioned below:

Sleeping issues
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Unusual behaviour
Lethargy

5. Emergency Care of a Dog

The above warning signs might indicate a common illness. But, some signs indicate an emergency. They include:

Seizures
Bloating
Severe bleeding
Insect bite
Heatstroke

How to React in Emergency?

If you notice any of the above things, never panic. Make sure to have a vet’s phone number saved on your mobile. Call the vet immediately and act according to the advice.

Wrapping It Up

Dogs are lovable and loyal creatures. If you are bringing one at home, be prepared to give acute care. Even if you are a beginner, you can maintain a great dog’s health. A good routine, balanced nutrition, exercise, and training can let the dog achieve all milestones on time. But, be sure to have all the tips for becoming a responsible parent.

If you are searching for a dog, make sure to research the breed. Some breeds need more care than others. They require more time, affection, and love. So, opt for the one that fits your routine.

Author Bio

Dur-e-Sabih provides ghost-writing and copywriting services. Her educational background in Accountancy helps her in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development, finance, and digital marketing. She writes blog articles for https://woofspedia.com/

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