Dog Care

The benefits of companionship, loyalty, and devotion that come with owning a dog are valuable to people of all ages, making dogs an essential asset to both families and individuals. Before you adopt or buy a dog, it is essential to conduct some research to determine which breed of dog is most suited to your way of life and to have a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come along with being a dog owner.

We are happy to discuss the various facets of dog care with you as your veterinarian. These facets include breed-specific medical issues as well as standard health care such as immunizations, flea and tick management, desexing, and worming, all of which your future dog may need.

After you have bought or adopted your new puppy or dog, there are a few essential parts of their upkeep that you need to think about, including the following:

Getting health insurance for your new pet is something that comes highly recommended. For more information on this subject, kindly refer to the page we have prepared giving information on pet insurance.
In an indoor environment or a kennel that is protected from the elements, appropriate bedding, such as washable carpets, cushions, or blankets, must be provided for your dog.
It is crucial to have a safe place, such as a dog-proof yard. When tied, your dog should never be left alone for any length of time.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

To reduce the risk of behavioral and health issues, all dogs need to have regular exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs think of their human owners as being a member of their pack, and if they feel mistreated or removed from the group, it may cause them to develop behavioral problems. It is of the utmost importance that dogs be socialized with both humans and other dogs at a young age for them to acquire acceptable behaviors to engage in during social interactions.

It is important to keep in mind that your new puppy will one day become an adult animal; thus, you should not reward behaviors that you would find objectionable in an adult dog. A training class may assist new owners in developing the appropriate strategy for training, and it can also be a lot of fun.

Regular Health Checks

A yearly checkup is required for every one of your domesticated animals. Dogs age anywhere from five to eight times quicker than people do on average, which may result in significant health changes occurring in a very short period. The likelihood of developing major illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease all rise with advancing years. However, coming to see us allows us to detect, treat, and even avert potentially life-threatening health issues before they manifest themselves. It is also advised that you have your pet vaccinated regularly, treat them for fleas and ticks, and give them worm medicine. When you come to see us, you will also have the chance to ask us questions on diet, behavior, and other topics.

Food and Nutrition

Your dog’s diet is an essential component of his overall care. A diet that is both healthy and balanced is very necessary. This will give protein, which will be used to construct the body; fats, which will promote healthy skin and coat; carbs, which will provide energy; and minerals and vitamins, which will promote healthy bone formation as well as healthy tissue growth.

Dry food of premium quality may be combined with liquids such as water or broth, or even canned food, to provide a nutritionally sound diet for adult dogs. Your canine companion may like cottage cheese, cooked eggs, fruits, and vegetables; nevertheless, the combined amount of these additions to his regular diet shouldn’t exceed ten percent.

Dental Care

There are a great number of breeds that are vulnerable to gum disease, which may have huge consequences. The infection that results from this illness is what causes early tooth loss, and it is also a frequent source of infections in key organs, including the heart valves. It is really necessary to maintain the teeth of your dog in a good state of cleanliness. The amount of tartar that builds up on your pet’s teeth may be reduced by maintaining regular dental care. Never offer cooked bones to your dog since they may become brittle and easily splinter, which can be very dangerous for your dog. Your pet dog needs constant access to clean water dishes at all times. They need to be kept clean and positioned in the shade to keep the water cool.

Grooming and Brushing

The importance of grooming and brushing cannot be overstated, especially for long-haired breeds. This helps in getting rid of dust, dead skin, loose hairs, grass seeds, plus tangles. It also contributes to shortening the coat molt, which happens twice a year in the fall and the spring. Regular brushing may aid in the maintenance of your dog’s cleanliness and cut down on shedding. When the weather is warm, you should check your pet every day for fleas and ticks.

The majority of canines need not be washed more often than a few times a year at the most. Bathing is recommended for pets who are dirty or stinky. However, you should be aware that repeated washing may cause the skin to become dry and irritated in addition to removing the natural oils that are found in the coat. Remove any mats from the coat by combing them or cutting them out before you bathe it. Rinse the coat thoroughly to remove any traces of soap, since the dirt may cling to the soap residue.

Do not ignore cutting and filing your pets nails. It is not uncommon for the nails of senior dogs to get overgrown, which may make it difficult for the dog to walk. In addition to this, nails like these are far more likely to break, which is something that may be pretty painful.

Our team is always eager to have a conversation about preventative medical care for your present or future pets. Please call our friendly support team during office hours if you have any questions about the care of your pet.