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Knowing Proper Dog CareThe Resource for Everything About Dogs |
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Knowing Proper Dog Careby Bob Janeway
Most experts say that all dogs evolved from wolves and that they only became domesticated between 11,000 and 24,000 years ago. Ever since, people have started selecting to breed more than 500 breeds of dogs. DOG CARE 101 Other than being social animals, dogs are indeed good animal companions for various reasons. Aside from being the only animal in the world that can claim the ?man?s best friend? award, dogs are well-loved by their owners because they are loyal, docile, and fun-loving. But, all of these good qualities of dogs cannot be appreciated if you lack proper dog care. To be able to maximize the potentials of your dog, make sure that you equip yourself with knowledge as to how you can take care of your pet properly. Dog experts say that the annual cost of taking care of a dog including food, veterinary care, toys and license would mount up to $420 for a small dog, $620 for a medium dog and $780 for a large one. (Note: this estimated amount exclude capital expenses for the dog?s spay/neuter surgery, collar and leash, carrier and crate.) Here are the basic things you should know in proper dog care: 1. Know what and how to feed them. The basic rule in feeding puppies?those are 8 to 12 weeks old?is to feed them four times a day. For older puppies, one to three meals a day would do depending on the dog?s age. Make sure that you feed puppies with high-quality, brand-name puppy food to avoid vitamin and mineral imbalances and bone and teeth problems that can lead to bad eating habits and obesity. For older dogs, also make sure that you feed then with premium-quality dry food so you can provide them with a well-balanced diet. These dry foods may include cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits, and vegetables apart from broth or canned food varieties. Also make sure that clean and fresh water are available for their consumption. 2. Encourage them to exercise. Like humans, dogs need exercise to burn off calories from their bodies, to stimulate their minds, and to keep them healthy. Aside from helping them to avoid boredom, exercise also lessens that possibility of bad and destructive behaviors. Make sure that you provide it with supervised fun and games to satisfy its instinctual urges like digging, herding, chewing, retrieving, and chasing. 3. Learn how to groom your dog properly. Clean dogs lead healthy lives. Make sure that you help keep the dog clean to reduce frequent shedding. Brushing and bathing the dog regularly will also keep fleas and ticks away. 4. Know how to handle the dog properly. Proper handling of dogs greatly affects their behavior. Handling a small dog require placing one hand under the dog?s chest to support its hind legs and rump. If you own a large dog, lift it from the underside while supporting his chest using your arm. Avoid lifting or grabbing any dog by its forelegs, tail or back of its neck because it may lead to bad posture. 5. Give it decent housing. For a dog?s housing, a training crate is always ideal. If you can?t afford one, make sure that the dog has a warm and quiet place to rest like a dog bed or a wooden box with a clean blanket or pillow inside it. 6. License and identify your dog properly. Make sure that you follow your community?s regulations by attaching the dog?s license to its collar to secure it once it gets lost. 7. Keep its health in check. A regular visit with the veterinarian for a full check-up, regular shots, and a heartworm blood test every year can ensure your dog?s overall health.
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