Your animal has the same basic health needs as you do. Proper diet, exercise and hygiene are all important. These needs will vary depending on breed, age and history, but neglecting them at any stage is inexcusable. Loving your pet and caring for your pet should be a symbiotic process, meaning that the care you give your pet is directly proportionate to the love you show your pet. Many people claim to love their dogs without properly caring for them. Three simple care tips correct this common human error.
Grooming
Your pet’s coat is its first defense against the outside world. It helps them regulate temperature and keeps them cleaner. A healthy coat will not smell or matt, thus allowing their skin to breath. A longhaired dog or densely coated dog will need brushed on a weekly basis. Keeping dog brushes and coat maintenance tools around will ensure the health of your dog’s coat.
Just like humans, dogs need regular baths. Not just any kind of soap will do either. Human shampoos and soaps could be harmful to your pet’s skin. Use pet care soaps when washing your dog to ensure the PH level of their skin stays normal. Also gentle dish soaps like Dawn and Gain will work.
Keeping a long coated dog trimmed will help keep the ears and eyes from infection. Matted and dirty coat or hair will lock dirt and moisture into these sensitive areas and cause your pet harm. If you choose to keep their coat long, make sure to brush and bathe it regularly. Be sure to also trim their nails. Long nails will cause painful foot and leg issues for your pet.
Exercise
Running, playing and generally being a dog is super healthy for your pet. Their antics are fun to watch and interact with, but these typical dog activities also provide cardiovascular and muscular benefits. A strong healthy dog will love to play. Such avenues as playgroups, dog parks and doggie day cares are excellent for friendly dogs. These places socialize your pet and allow them to interact with their peers. An antisocial dog should still be exercised, but this type of dog will need more one-on-one time with you. Reinforcing social skills in your animal while exercising them will keep their body and mind healthy for years.
Feeding
There is a fierce debate in the dog world as far as food goes. Dry/wet, raw/cooked, organic/processed etc. Regardless of all that opinion, it really comes down to the basics. Is the food you are feeding your dog made from basic ingredients or is it highly processed? Feeding a dog a steady diet of wholesome ingredients is the best way to go. A wet canned food that is made of organic meat and natural veggies will be better then a highly processed dry food. Then on the other side, a dry food made from wholesome ingredients will be better than a wet food that is not. Then there is human food. If you desire a balanced diet of meat proteins, vegetables and fruits, why not just buy human grade food and create your own raw meals. Consult your vet when trying new foods. Your pet has a delicate stomach and could become sick when fed improperly.
Your furry best friend depends on you for their health and safety. Neglecting their needs and wants could lead to healthy problems and behavioral issues. You are responsible for their health, hygiene and happiness.
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