Your new puppy
Before you bring home your new puppy, you need to puppy-proof your home. This process is similar to toddler-proofing a home, but there are differences. Electrical cords, potential toxins, and breakable items should be placed completely out of reach. Remember that your puppy can jump, climb, chew and scratch, so place what you can very high up or in a locked cabinet. It’s best to secure cabinets and drawers with locks or metal hardware. Basically, it should be chew-proof and require opposable thumbs to operate. Proper puppy-proofing not only keeps your puppy safe, it also gives you peace of mind.
Your new puppy will need certain items from the very start. Some are essential for your pup’s well-being, while others are quite helpful. Most important items include a leash and collar, food and water bowls and chew toys. You should also get a nice dog bed and, preferably, a crate or kennel. Some if these items can last as your puppy ages, but bear in mind that most of them will need to be replaced when your puppy grows. Collars may be adjustable to a certain point. A kennel can be purchased in a larger size for the future, but should be blocked off with boxes or other objects to make it the right size for the puppy.
Your puppy’s diet can make all the difference in his future health and well-being. Before you decide on a puppy food, do your research. Talk to your vet, other pet professionals, and fellow dog owners. Remember that if the food you initially choose does not meet your expectations, you can gradually switch to another food. Some owners like to feed commercial diets. However, homemade and raw diets are becoming increasingly popular. While researching puppy food, consider the quality of ingredients, inclusion of proper nutrients but also taste. Basically, the food should be good for your puppy and he should like eating it.
Large breed puppies, but not only, need mineral and vitamin supplements in order to ensure a healthy development. Some breeds also require supplements to solidify their articulations. Please consult your vet for more details.
Preferably, you will find a vet before you get a puppy. Within a few days of taking your new puppy home, you should bring him to your vet for a general exam. Your vet can help identify any potential heath issues early on, and advise you on caring for your puppy long-term. This initial visit also opens the doors of communication with you and your vet. Over the course of your puppy’s first six months, you will see a lot of your vet. This begins with vaccines and usually leads to spay or neuter. Typically, puppies should be spayed or neutered around six months of age.
The puppy vaccination series is one of the most important aspects of your puppy’s early life. This protects your puppy from getting some very severe or incurable illnesses.
There are many things you will need to teach your dog. Start by working on socialization. Leash training will set the stage for teaching basic commands like sit, come and stay. These basic commands can help you curb some later behavior problems. Just remember that puppies are curious, active and they like to chew. They put everything in their mouths, including your hands! Work with this by replacing the inappropriate object with an acceptable chew toy. Reward your puppy with treats and praise for good behaviour and for obeying commands. Puppy training can be a challenge, but the outcome will make your efforts worthwhile.
Caring for your adult dog
As a dog owner, you want to know you are meeting your dog’s basic needs to ensure health and happiness. Like humans, dogs need food, water, shelter and affection to survive.
A healthy, balanced diet is fundamental. Once you have found an appetizing diet, watch how your dog responds over the first several weeks. A drop in energy level or a dull hair coat may warrant a diet change. If you do change your pet’s food, always do so gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset or food aversion. And always be sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh, clean water.
Consult your veterinarian for nutritional advice, especially if you notice any changes in your pet’s health.
Bonding is not something you can do once and assume it’s finished. The bond with your dog is built during the first few weeks to months of ownership, but maintaining the bond is a lifelong process. Remember that while you are at work, out with friends, or running errands, your dog is usually just waiting for you to come home.
Dogs are pack animals – they are not content when excluded from the family unit. Though some circumstances may require dogs to live outside, most dogs will thrive in a primarily indoor environment. Your dog should have an area of the house dedicated as his own space, such as a kennel, crate or bed. This teaches your dog to have respect for his own space and, in turn, yours. Set down ground rules, enforce off-limit areas of the house, and welcome your dog into permissible areas.
Never leave your dog unattended outside without shelter, especially during very hot or cold weather, as this can result in severe health consequences.
Keep your dog healthy with regular exercise and preventive veterinary care. Establish an exercise routine, even if it is just a stroll around the block each morning. Depending on your dog’s breed, more exercise may be necessary, but don’t overdo it. Visit your veterinarian at least once or twice a year for a wellness check-up. Potential problems are often identified before your dog actually shows signs of illness.
It is very important that you repeat your dog’s vaccine every year to prevent him getting certain severe illnesses!
Maintaining the human-canine bond is vital. Set aside time for you and your dog. Petting your dog, playing with toys, talking to him, or taking him for rides in the car are some ways to strengthen and preserve this bond.
Dog grooming is one of your dog’s basic needs and an important part of dog ownership. Just like people, dogs need physical maintenance to look and feel their best. Fortunately, dogs do not need to bathe as often as people. Most dogs enjoy being brushed, and sessions will strengthen the bond with your dog while maintaining a healthy coat. Your dog’s ears can be a haven for bacteria and yeast if not kept clean. Some dogs can go their whole lives without ear problems, and only routine ear cleaning is needed. Other dogs have chronic ear disease and require multiple cleanings a day. Bathing your dog keeps it from getting too dirty, but you should not bathe him more than once a month for immunity reasons. Also keep in mind that it is indicated to use special dog soap or shampoo.
Your aging dog
As a general rule, a dog is considered geriatric around the age of seven. However, this varies a bit for each dog. The typical life span of a dog is said to be 12-15 years. Smaller dog breeds tend to live longer on average, while large and giant dog breeds have shorter life spans.
Common signs of aging are graying around the face – most dogs commonly show a bit of gray starting 5-6 years of age, slowing down – arthritis is common in dogs as they age, particularly large breeds, muscle atrophy – mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may be seen with old age, reduced hearing – a vet exam should be done first to rule out medical problems, cloudy eyes – the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis and it is a normal effect of aging.
There are some changes you can make in your dog’s life that will help in his transition to senior status. Most of these require little sacrifice on your part and will make a positive difference for you dog.
See your vet every six months instead of once per year for wellness exams and health screenings. Lab work and diagnostic imaging is recommended.
Change to a senior dog food. This means less calories to prevent weight gain, higher nutrient levels and lower protein taking less of a toll on aging kidneys.
If your dog’s endurance is declining or he is having trouble getting around, take slower, shorter walks several times a day rather than one or two long, brisk walks. However, do not stop exercise or significantly decrease it as your dog still needs to be active.
Give it multi-vitamin supplements in order to keep his metabolism active and to prevent drops in immunity.
Give it all your love and attention and keep it out of the rain and the extreme temperatures.