Whenever you get a new dog, it might be a great day for you but for your new dog, it is a period of adjustment. When you have adopted a new puppy or brought home a rescue, it takes time for that dog-owner relationship to get strong. If you are a first time dog owner, chances are things will be hard for you as well. Taking care of a dog is serious business and for someone who has no experience with animals before, it can be troublesome in the beginning.
That is why we have come up with 8 tips that are essential for you to take care of your new dog. Here they are –
1) Provide a clean living environment
This is very important to the health and well-being of your dog. Just like we humans want a safe and hygienic living environment, so does your dog. Always keep your dog’s bed clean and change the sheets at least once per week.
2) Teach the dog some basic commands
Although it may take a while for your dog to fully get trained, you can still start a basic training by teaching the dog some common commands. Nothing overly complicated, just some commands like sit, stay, fetch etc so that the dog begins to learn to obey you as its master.
3) Spend Time with your dog
Any relationship needs quality time to grow. The same can be said about the relationship between a dog and its master. Set a regular time every day to take the dog for a walk. Play fetch it with in the park or just stays indoors playing him it. This will strengthen the bond between you and make the dog really connect with you.
4) Dispose of its poop
For a new dog owner, the worst part of owning a dog would be picking up your dog’s poop. However, it is a major part of owning a dog and is also in accordance with the law. Even if it was not, picking up after your dog is important because if your dog’s poop remains sitting in your yard or the park or even on the sidewalk, it can attract rodents and flies which then leads to spreading of various diseases. You can also call a dog waste removal company to haul away the dog poop.
5) Do not ignore dental hygiene
A dog’s dental health and cleanliness is very important. You should ask your vet whether or not your dog’s breed has a higher risk of gum disease or not. If the gums get infected, it can also cause infection in some major organs as well. In some rare cases, it can even lead to blockage in the valves of the heart leading to cardiac arrest in dogs.
6) Keep good care of its diet
Providing a good quality diet to your dog has many benefits. It keeps their fur shiny and soft, it keeps their bones and muscles strong, it keeps their energy levels and vitality high. Always follow the advice of your dog’s vet regarding nutritional diet. Ask for a nutrition chart based on the age, breed and size of your dog.
These were some basic tips that will help you both connect with your new dog and ensure its good health. Remember, always stay regular with the vet appointments and keep the dog clean and well groomed.
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