40 Dog Care Tips: The Greatest Pet Parent’s Guide
There’s likely to be something in this list of dog care advice that you didn’t know – but should – whether you’ve just adopted a new puppy or have owned dogs your entire life. I promise that this big list of 39 dog care recommendations will help you be a better pet parent, as someone who has been around animals all my and is a passionate dog-lover.
Dog Health Tips
1. Don’t overfeed your dog; it will have a negative impact on their health and happiness.
Obesity affects more than half of all dogs in the United States, and the number is rising. Overweight dogs are more likely to develop metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, joint disease, a weakened immune system, and a variety of other health issues. They are also less mobile and cannot run, play, or participate in other activities as much as they would like. Feed your pet the amount recommended by their veterinarian and don’t give in to those puppy dog eyes when they ask for more!
2. Feel your dog’s nose
It should be wet on your dog’s nose. The amount of wetness in a dog’s nose varies depending on the breed and the season, but a healthy dog will have a cool, slightly wet nose since dogs sweat through their nose to stay cool.
3. Schedule annual visits with your veterinarian.
Allow the professionals to inspect your dog on a regular basis to screen for any health issues and provide you with the most up-to-date, individualized information to help you keep your beloved pet healthy for many years.
4. Put together a “pet first aid” bag.
Accidents and emergencies happen, and having all of the necessary items to assist your dog is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. This is especially vital if you’re going trekking or camping with your dog and will be far from help. Every dog owner should have a homemade pet first aid kit.
5. Purchase pet insurance.
Accidents and diseases that occur unexpectedly might cost anything from $800 to $1500. With up to a third of pets requiring emergency care each year, this may quickly become an expensive problem. Pet insurance may help cover these unexpected costs, as well as prescription prescriptions, long-term health disorders, and other issues, making it a crucial investment for your family’s four-legged members.
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6. Make sure your dog’s teeth are clean.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is sometimes ignored, but it is critical for their overall health and the avoidance of costly dental procedures in the future. Make this a regular part of their regimen, and be sure to use a dog-specific toothpaste. Teeth brushing may be a joyful exercise for your pet every day with a little time and instruction!
7. Be sure to make an emergency plan, Just in case.
It’s not pleasant to consider, but it’s critical that you have a plan in place for your dog in the event that you become incapacitated. Make a note of crucial details regarding your dog’s lifestyle, such as how often they’re fed, how much they’re fed, prescriptions, the phone number for their veterinarian, and so on. Give copies to anyone in your life who might be able to look after your dog in an emergency. It’s also advisable to ask around to ensure that you have at least one or two people who live nearby who could assist your dog on short notice.
8. Play with a Goal in Mind.
Play with your dog’s feet, ears, and lips when caressing and playing with them, especially when they’re young. You may desensitize them to being touched in these areas when it’s time for nail trims by doing things like touching their feet, toes, and nails during enjoyable play experiences. Examining your dog’s ears and mouth and getting them acclimated to it will make it much easier for your vet to evaluate them when they come in for checkups. This will make your veterinarian’s job easier, your dog will be less nervous during their examination, and your veterinarian will be more likely to notice any irregularities if something is wrong with your dog.
Housekeeping and puppy-proofing
9. Make sure your trash is properly secured.
Dogs are attracted to the delightful fragrance of rubbish and may consume items that are hazardous, dangerous, or indigestible, so keep your trash secure. Foreign objects or harmful chemicals in the stomach can result in expensive emergency procedures.
10. Be sure to give your Furry Friend a safe space.
Set up a temperate section of your home with your dog’s bed or blanket, some toys, and a water bowl where your dog will feel safe and can nap during the day. This can assist your dog in self-soothing during stressful situations such as parties, crying babies, or thunderstorms. If your dog was crate trained as a rescue puppy or when they first joined your family, keeping their crate open and available after they’ve completed their training may provide them with a perfect space just for them that they’ll enjoy having.
11. Keep household cleans and toxins locked away.
Keep household chemicals like cleansers and insecticides out of your dog’s reach at all times. Many clever dogs can and will get into anything kept in the garage or beneath the sink. To seal cabinets with harmful chemicals, use baby-proof locks.
12. Clean and launder your dog’s toys and bedding regularly.
Germs, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants wind up on your dog’s blankets, soft toys, and bedding. To keep these products fresh and clean for your dog, wash them at least once a week. If your dog has seasonal allergies, this might be very beneficial in lowering pollen exposure.
13. Do not allow your dog to eat human food.
Chocolate, avocados, and onions, among other human delicacies, are toxic to dogs and can have major health consequences. Keep human food out of reach, and be especially wary of gum and candies, which sometimes contain xylitol, a sugar-like chemical that is poisonous to dogs. If your veterinarian recommends it, don’t give your dog human foods on purpose. Some human foods, like as plain chicken, canned pumpkin, or plain rice, may be purposely advised by your veterinarian for specific reasons such as digestive distress, diarrhea, hiding oral medication, or as highly stimulating training incentives in limited amounts. Your dog may be able to consume “human food” in these situations, but they don’t have to lick your dinner plate clean or eat your leftovers.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
14. Take your dog for a walk for his or her health and delight.
Regular walks assist your dog in a variety of ways, including reducing boredom, aiding digestion, maintaining a healthy weight, and helping them burn off excess energy. You may notice that negative habits such as chewing, barking, or digging lessen as a result of providing them with a positive outlet.
15. Try taking more walks to reduce boredom.
Adding extra walks or outings to your dog’s regular schedule will help to break up the monotony. For a change of scenery, take them to a dog-friendly restaurant or drive-in. To keep them mentally stimulated, take them on errands with you and switch up their toys.
16. Mentally challenge your dog
Dogs, like humans, require a lot of cerebral activity to remain happy and healthy. To keep your dog entertained, give them a puzzle toy, teach them new tricks, and play new games with them. When you can’t dedicate 100 percent of your attention to your dog, puzzle toys are a great method to keep them entertained.
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17. Calming down a voracious eater
If your dog or puppy eats their meals rapidly, they are more likely to develop stomach problems or upsets, which can lead to vomiting. Slowing down your dog’s feeding is beneficial to their digestive health and is simple to do. A puzzle feeder can be purchased at a pet store or online. Alternatively, putting a giant tennis ball in their bowl is a cheap and simple alternative. Both the ball and the puzzle toy will work in the same way, forcing your dog to maneuver around the inedible impediment in order to consume his meal.
18. Work With Your Dog
Race your dog in the park, try dog yoga, climb stairs with your dog, or go on an exciting hike with them. You’ll both benefit from exercising while having a good time together.
Bonding
19. Make your dog a friend.
To thrive, dogs require love and attention. Make sure they spend a lot of time with you and your family inside. Pay attention to them, give them food, and play games with them.
20. Show them you care by being patient with them.
When your dog misbehaves or doesn’t understand a new training approach, it might be frustrating, but with a little grace and patience, they’ll be more likely to keep trying. If you’re frustrated, take a break from training and seek advice from your veterinarian or a local trainer. Dogs can detect our body language quite well and will not respond well to training if you are stressed or furious.
21. Keep an eye on them when they eat.
Dogs are pack creatures by nature, and you are part of their pack. Keep an eye on them while they eat and make this a habit. Picky eaters may become more interested in their food if they see you doing so.
Training
22. Give your pet a pat on the head.
When they successfully pee outside. Potty training can be challenging, especially if your dog is resistant. When you praise and encourage your dog when they go outside to do their business, they’ll happily repeat the behavior until it becomes a habit. Bring treats outside with you if your dog is learning to be house-trained, and immediately praise your dog once they finish peeing or pooping somewhere you approve of. Housebreaking will be much easier if you do this every time and take your puppy out regularly enough (after every meal, after every sip of water, and at least every 4-6 hours).
23. Make it a game when you train them.
Treats, prizes, and praise should all be varied. They will have more fun and you will see better outcomes if they regard training as a game rather than something they are chastised for doing. Through this procedure, you may also discover that your dog responds better to other forms of treats. Always reinforce positive conduct with rewards, a clicker, pets, and/or vocal praise when training, and ignore negative behavior. They’ll figure out that if they want a reward, they have to perform what you’ve asked.
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24. Training should be done on a regular basis.
Make a list of your dog’s “home rules” and keep to them! Will your dog be permitted on the furniture, in all areas of the house, or in the dining room with the family? To avoid misunderstanding, stick to the same training cues and regulations when training your dog. To avoid confusing your dog or repeating poor behavior, make sure that everyone in your household is on the same page and agrees to follow the rules consistently.
25. Correct negative behavior right away.
Dogs have a short memory, so if you chastise them five minutes later for doing anything wrong, they will not associate the scolding with bad conduct. If you catch them in the act, reprimand them. On the other hand, once your dog does something good, give him positive reinforcement and prizes straight away to encourage him to do it again.
Winter Time Care Tips
26. Apply a moisturizer to your dog’s paws.
The dry air in cold weather might cause your dog’s paws to crack. To reduce discomfort, apply pad moisturizer products topically to your dog’s paws, especially if they appear raw or uncomfortable after your dog has been outside.
27. Make sure they don’t spend too much time outside.
Frozen paws, ears, and tails are particularly vulnerable to frostbite in dogs. In cold weather, even dogs with thick fur coats should not be left outside for long periods of time. When you start to feel cold, bring your dog inside with you because they are most likely feeling the same way.
28. Be wary of ice and salt in the winter.
Ice and winter salt on sidewalks can cause cracks or burns in your dog’s paw pads. After going outdoors, wipe your dog’s paws clean and keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t try to consume or lick the salt off the ground. Consider investing in a pair of dog booties to protect the sensitive skin on your dog’s feet if this is causing them constant discomfort. They also sell pet-safe salt for driveways and walkways that you may use at home. Pet safe salt is non-toxic to pets’ feet and will not damage them if they eat any of it by accident.
29. Consider purchasing a sweater for your dog.
Many dogs have thick coats that keep them warm even in the coldest months, but not all of our pups have enough fur to brave the elements. Any dog can develop hypothermia, and depending on where you live and your dog’s breed, he or she may benefit from a coat or sweater in the winter. Shivering, rapid breathing, ears and feet that are cold to the touch, increased urination, and hair standing on end are all early signs of hypothermia that your dog may benefit from an extra layer of insulation. Many dogs enjoy wearing winter coats or sweaters because they look cute and provide additional protection during winter playtime.
Summer Time Care Tips
30. Maintain your dog’s cool
Dogs do not perspire as much as humans do. Rather than perspiring all over their bodies like humans, they sweat through their paw pads and expel heat by panting. Giving your dogs access to shade and a way to cool down, such as a kiddie pool filled with water or ice, is a terrific way to let them enjoy the outdoors safely throughout the summer months. To avoid heatstroke, stress, and dehydration, keep an eye on them during hot weather and bring them indoors if they are panting heavily.
31. Make sure they have a constant source of water.
Dehydration is extremely dangerous for dogs and can occur quickly. Ensure that your dog has easy access to clean, fresh water both indoors and outdoors throughout the day. Take note if they are excessively panting, losing interest in eating, or have a dry nose. If you notice these or any other unusual behavior in your dog during heat waves, please contact your veterinarian.
32. Avoid Algae In Water
Ingesting algae can be dangerous to dogs, and in some cases fatal. Taking your dog to the pond or lake during the hot summer months is tempting, but always check with your local Parks and Recreation department first for any environmental warnings regarding toxic algae, water treatments, or dangerous chemicals in and around the water.
33. Keep an eye on their feet
When walking on heated surfaces, a dog’s paw pads are sensitive to heat and can be burned. The surface is too hot for your dog to walk on if you can’t safely rest your naked hand or foot on it outside. When walking your dog in these situations, choose grass, dirt, or covered paths.
34. Never leave your dog in the car.
A car’s interior temperature can soon become dangerous, if not fatal, to your dog. Even with the windows cracked, never leave them unattended in your automobile, as they might rapidly succumb to heatstroke. Even if the temperature outside is only 70 degrees, your automobile will reach a temperature of over 100 degrees in 20 minutes. In the summer, cars may reach deadly temperatures in minutes.
Dog Safety
35. Never EVER let your dog ride in the back of your truck
Every year, over 100,000 dogs die while riding in the flatbed of a truck, either as a result of tumbling out or being killed by debris. This does not take into consideration the numerous other people who were hurt in different types of cars. Please keep your dog in the car with you at all times, ideally restrained.
Depending on your dog’s size, temperament, or the length of your journey, you can securely transport your dog in a box or carrier as long as it is secure and cannot slide about in the event of a sharp turn or accident. You may also keep your dog safe by purchasing a seat belt adapter that buckles directly to their harness and secures them in the seat. You may always ask your veterinarian if you have any queries regarding where is the safest place for your dog to ride in the car.
36. Always keep an ID tag on your dog.
You never realize how crucial an ID tag is until you lose contact with your dog. Make an ID tag with your phone number, your dog’s name, and the phone number of your veterinarian. Ensure that this information is up to date.
37. Implant a microchip in your dog
Accidents happen, and dogs’ collars sometimes come undone. If your dog is microchipped and goes missing, a veterinary facility or animal shelter will check all discovered pets for microchips and use your personal information to notify you if your dog has one. In the worst-case situation, if your dog is stolen, a microchip will verify ownership. They’re cheap, and they’re as painless and simple to administer as a vaccine.
38. When you’re out in public, keep your dog on a leash at all times.
If they see another dog, human, or animal, even the most loyal dog may flee. To avoid losing your dog or having any mishaps or injuries, such as dog fights, vehicle hits, or other physical harm, be responsible and keep your dog leashed in public locations.
39. Before attempting new meals or medications, talk to your veterinarian.
If not done correctly or according to your veterinarian’s instructions, dietary or medication modifications might cause a variety of health problems for your pet. You are the expert on your pet and want to provide the greatest food, vitamins, and medical care available. The best way to do this is to talk to your veterinarian about any adjustments you want to make and why you want to make them. That way, your veterinarian can ensure that you have a safe product and strategy in place, as well as note any changes in your pet’s medical records in the event that your dog becomes unwell or injured. Your veterinarian will have the most up-to-date information on your pet’s health and lifestyle.
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