Dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’ all around the world and are one of the most popular choices of pet. According to statistics, there are around 90 million pet dogs in the United States alone.
Dogs make excellent pets, and can provide a valuable source of companionship for many people. However, you must know how to properly care for a dog and understand the commitment of having one as a pet. With this in mind, here are three tips for taking care of a dog:
1. Provide Your Dog With Enough Exercise
Dogs need exercise to stay strong and healthy. The amount of exercise your dog requires will depend upon their size and breed, but many dogs need around 30-60 minutes of physical activity a day. Exercise is not just beneficial to your dog’s physical health, several studies show that exercise plays a key role in your dog’s mental well being.
Many dogs, especially puppies, have lots of energy that they need to burn off. Not providing your dog with enough physical activity and stimulation may lead to destructive behavior in your home. Hence why you should make sure that your dog gets enough physical activity every day. If there are certain days when you don’t have the time to take your dog on a walk, then ask a family member or friend, or hire a professional dog walker.
2. Identify And Treat Health Conditions
Just like humans, dogs can develop health conditions, particularly as they get older. You must check your dog for any signs of distress, or any noticeable symptoms of health conditions. If you believe that your dog may be unwell, then contact your vet straight away to arrange a checkup.
Fortunately, there is a huge variety of medications available to treat common health conditions found in pets. This includes herbal and alternative therapies such as CBD for dogs.
CBD has been used by vets for many years to treat a variety of health conditions including anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and even epilepsy. If your dog is suffering from a health condition, make sure that you research what treatment is available to ease the symptoms and restore your dog’s health and well-being.
In addition to seeking medical treatment, you may also consider using calming treats for your dog such as those seen at xenpets.com, as these are specifically formulated with natural ingredients that can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs. Some of the common ingredients found in calming treats include chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, and L-theanine.
3. Know Proper Grooming Techniques
Grooming helps keep your dog healthy by removing dead hair and skin and preventing hair from becoming matted. Proper grooming also reduces the risk of parasites like fleas and ticks. Again, the type and frequency of grooming will depend on your dog’s breed, coat, and lifestyle.
According to advice on Canine Journal, most dogs require bathing at least once every three months, but you can safely wash your dog every few weeks if necessary. Many dog owners choose to groom their dogs at home, but taking your dog to a professional groomer can save you the time and effort of doing it yourself.
A professional groomer will ensure that your dog has been properly cleaned all over and will also give your dog’s coat a trim to reduce the risk matting. Groomers can also check for signs of parasites and apply suitable treatment if required.
