Steps to Providing Your Pooch with a Carefree Life

The saying that a dog is a man’s best friend is true as dogs show unconditional love, sparing no expense and asking nothing in return. They are loyal and simply adore us in a way that other animals or even other people are unable to.

This is the primary reason why our dogs deserve a long and happy life which we, as dog owners, have a responsibility to create.

In the article below, we suggest a few ways to provide your furry companion with a carefree life.

If you keep asking yourself ‘is pet insurance worth the cost’, our answer will always be a straight yes as it is one of the smartest and most responsible decisions that a pet parent can make.

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from different diseases, get involved in accidents when you least expect it but they should also get their vaccinations and general checkups. Pet insurance is a safety net that will have you covered if your dog would need to get emergency medical care from a veterinarian and pay upfront.

Not only does a proper dog insurance plan mean financial security for you but it can also provide you with peace of mind when caught unprepared and help you form a strong human-animal bond.

A healthy dog is a happy dog, and a balanced diet is a key to achieving this. It can be tempting to give your pooch that extra chicken wing or the last piece of candy, but your doggy will love you much more if you maintain their health.

The dog must get all the nutrients it needs during different life stages. Of course, a puppy that is growing has completely different needs than a senior dog that is perhaps less mobile and also suffers from some form of age-related illness that requires adapted food. Food affects the whole body and all organs so an improper diet can be devastating and create a lot of unnecessary suffering for both dog and pet owner.

The easiest way to ensure that your dog gets a varied and well-balanced diet is to give them high-quality dog food but also fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. These foods are rich in amazing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that benefit your dog’s health. This includes fiber for the digestive system, protein for the muscles, and good sugars for energy.

It is incredibly important to take care of your dog, partly for the animal’s well-being but also to prevent health problems and complications.

There is a lot to think about when it comes to dog care so it is good to create your own checklist to make it easier and more efficient to take proper care of your dog. This will help you organize a routine around, for example, tooth brushing, and claw clipping. It is also very important to note your dog’s vaccinations and visits to the vet in your calendar.

Dogs are supposed to get their first vaccines around eight weeks of age, and then again when they’re 10-12 weeks old.

They should be vaccinated against distemper, parvo, HCC, and kennel cough. The vaccine against kennel cough should be renewed annually – especially if the dog stays in places where there are many other dogs – a kennel, dog daycare, or if it participates in competitions.

Toothache, tartar, and loose tooth are something that many dogs suffer from, often without the pet parent understanding what is wrong. The best solution is to prevent problems by taking good care of your dog’s teeth, starting from when they are a little puppy. But it’s never too late and even an adult dog can get used to tooth brushing if you perform this well.

Use a soft toothbrush to brush your dog’s teeth. If you want to use toothpaste, choose one that is specially made for dogs. Start with the teeth at the front and continue from there. Make sure to brush the teeth regularly while praising the dog so it learns to like the tooth brushing process.

There are several reasons why it’s essential to provide proper fur care. First, the dog will feel better in its own skin and if left uncared for, the dog can experience irritating itching and tingling.

If you brush the coat, the skin gets better blood flow, and this also stimulates the growth of the coat.

When you brush, you remove old dead hair which allows the coat to grow and become evenly long. Fur that has become very matted is the perfect breeding ground for ticks, mites, and fleas, which can also give rise to dangerous eczema.

A short or straight-haired dog has by far the easiest fur care and a bath a few times a year is usually enough. A coarse-haired dog sheds almost no fur at all. However, it requires more maintenance than short-haired dogs and should be groomed at least a few times a year and bathed every 3-4 weeks.

Long-haired dogs such as Golden Retrievers or other medium-sized fur dogs often shed a lot. Proper brushing from time to time is necessary and they need to bathe about once a month.

Trimming the claws of your pet is not always easy, but it’s important to get it done.

If the claws are allowed to grow too long, the animal risks getting caught with its long claws and breaking the claw capsule. Then the pulp, which consists of nerves and blood vessels, is exposed. It can bleed a lot and this is very painful.

There is also a high risk of a bad infection, especially if the animal licks it a lot. In order for a new claw capsule to grow out around the pulp, it is necessary to remove the entire damaged claw capsule. This is followed by a period of several weeks when the animal must wear a collar and bandage or sock as well as a shoe when outdoors to protect the pulp.

Even if the animal is lucky and does not injure its long claws, it can still cause pain as very long claws to cause misalignment in the toes and make it difficult for the animal to walk.

Providing your dog with regular exercise should be a “no-brainer” because, to make our pups feel good and keep them limber, they need to be trained and stimulated, no matter their age, breed, or size. The dog requires both physical exercise to stay trim and lean and mental activation to increase its emotional well-being and release its pent-up energy.

Not only does exercise keep the dog in proper condition and health, but it also reduces any behavioral problems, does wonders for their mental health, and builds trust and confidence in you as their caretaker.

A simple exercise activity like going for a walk can provide you and your pooch with fresh air and much-needed vitamin D from the sun since it is something that they are unable to produce enough on their own. This vitamin is vital for dogs’ skin, coat, and proper bone development.

Well-socialized dogs make great canine companions and fulfilled pets. With proper socialization, you can help the dog transition into new environments, make them adjust more easily, and lessen any anxiety it might be experiencing.

Just like us humans, socializing keeps us healthy and happy, and seeing your furry friend successfully interacting and playing with other dogs will contribute to your confident pet having a carefree life.

Each interaction boosts their confidence, teaches them good behaviors, and brings positive reinforcement which ultimately leads to you having a well-rounded pet.

Last but not least, an overall satisfied dog needs its master’s undivided attention and demonstration of love. Even with our hectic daily lives, it’s crucial to show our dogs that we care. Not only does it help establish and strengthen the mutual bond but it is also beneficial for their mental and physical health.

We might not be aware of this, but dogs respond to our gestures, and body language and showing them our affections keeps them motivated and fosters a sense of stability and security in the pup. 

Having a dog brings immense joy as they make us feel treasured and loved. For this reason, being a dog owner is also a privilege and should be treated as such.

While they make us feel warm and fuzzy, it’s essential that we do the same by giving them the best quality care. Make sure to find the right pet insurance policy to protect them and your finances, give them a variety of healthy foods, have them join you on your morning run, and let them play around the park with their other furry friends.

To make sure that you have increased your pooch’s happiness quotient, always set aside quality time and try to match their endless love.