Alsatians.comIntroduction to Dog Care
Having a dog can be a rewarding experience - dogs aren't called man's best friend for nothing! But, you also need to realise that having a dog isn't all about fun - you will need to look after a dog and make sure that it keeps fit and healthy for all of its life. In basic terms this will involve:
- Feeding - dogs need to be fed on a regular basis and they need the right mix of foods (for their breed, age and size) to help them stay fit and healthy. Don't be tempted to feed your dog leftovers from meals as an extra treat (although these can sometimes be added to their usual meals) or to feed them too many snacks between meals. Many dogs are greedy and will eat everything you offer them which could lead to weight and health problems. Don't ever give your dog chocolate (unless it is a snack made for dogs) or leave it lying around - the chocolate you buy for yourself is poisonous to dogs! And, finally, remember that dogs need constant access to fresh water as well.
- Exercising - all dogs need regular exercise (i.e. a walk around twice a day). The amount of exercise that a dog will need will vary according to the breed and size of dog.
- Health care - it's important to make sure that your dog gets regular vaccinations, boosters and standard treatments (such as worming and dental checks) as recommended by your vet. It may be worth while taking out a pet insurance plan to cover your dog in case it gets a serious illness or has an accident which cost a lot in vet's bills. It's also wise to check your dog's eyes and inside their ears regularly to try and head problems here off at the pass. If your dog (or its breed) is prone to dental problems then you can buy dog toothpaste and clean its teeth - ask your vet for advice here. If your dog won't let you do this then giving it hard dog biscuits or bones will help keep teeth clean.
- Training - it's important to make sure that your dog is well trained. This isn't just about house training the animal but it's also about the way it behaves with you and with other people/animals. You can train your dog yourself or take it to training classes. If you are training your dog yourself then take it slowly and teach it single commands/things to do at a time. Make sure to reward good behaviour with a lot of praise and maybe even the occasional treat!
- Neutering/Spaying - unless you plan to allow your dog to breed then you may want to consider having neutered/spayed. This may have the added advantage of making your dog more settled, less like to roam and less aggressive.
- Grooming/Bathing - regular grooming of your dog can help keep its coat healthy. Bear in mind that it is often easier to groom your dog if you started doing this when it was a puppy. If you end up with an adult dog then you may need to introduce grooming gradually as it may not be used to it. Giving your dog a bath is also important although don't do this all the time as it can affect their coat. Most experts recommend giving a dog a bath (with dog shampoo) once a month at most.