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Dog Care Tips for First-Time Fur-Parents

Whether you are getting a puppy or a mature canine, having one is a huge responsibility. 

Before deciding to foster a dog, educate yourself on how to take care of a fur baby. You should do your responsibility with passion and not treat it as a chore. 

1. Feeding Your Dog

Choose a better water feeder and dog bowl for her meals. It may surprise you but dogs are just like humans with personal desires. To give your dog a better meal, give her a good food bowl that will be able to contain the right serving. You also need to provide her with a water feeder that’s reachable and easy to use.

The cleanliness of your home and your pup also depends on how she will eat her meal and drink her water. Consider this when buying a food bowl and a water feeder.

2. Potty Training

A potty trained dog is both beneficial for you and your dog.

 Of course, there are diapers that will come in handy when needed on occasions that require her to wear one, but your pet’s daily routine is the most important to adjust to. 

Know her schedule. When does she usually go to pee and poop — observe the timing and have a specific spot for this activity. It would be hard and tasking at first, and you cannot avoid those accidental mislaid sessions, but with determination and practice, she will eventually go by herself without you knowing it, and I tell you, all those poop picking obstacles will all be worth it when she starts to go by herself. 

3. Call a Doctor

 Like any other humans, dogs should also have their monthly check-ups, vaccines and medications. 

Make sure that your dog has all the necessary vaccines for both of your protection against diseases and rabies. You may also consult your Vet for vitamins, diet and some other health issues concerning your fur baby. You may also ask for some pieces of advice in dealing with your dog’s behavior and moods. 

Whenever you are in doubt about your dog’s wellbeing, talk to your Vet about it. It’s important to have your Vet’s contact numbers and make them known to your housemates in case of emergencies.

 You may also ask for some first aids and home remedies on days you cannot go to your Vet immediately.

4. Grooming

Although it depends on the breed, hair length and type of coat in some instances, general grooming should be performed at least once a month. This is to protect your dog’s health and improve her quality of life. 

For puppies and dogs who have never been groomed, habitual grooming or brushing at home should be spent to get your dog used to being handled and to avoid grooming issues in the future.

Once your dog is ready, bring her to local dog groomers regularly. 

5. Nurture Behavior

Knowing how to nurture your dog’s behavior won’t come naturally. This is a skill that you must learn.

This is not only for your benefit but for your dog’s happiness too. Most of the time, bad behavior is the result of unwell living conditions. That’s right, your first task is to make sure that your dog is fed well, groomed well and has a comfortable shelter.

Spoiling your dog is not love, but you’re simply allowing yourself to be the pet and not her. As a pet owner, you should know when your dog demands control and not attention. Usually, dog behavior differs by breed. Research is the key.

Consider this:

Having a dog in your home and in your life is a priceless experience.

 If you are not yet a parent, you will be able to experience parenthood with your fur baby. You are literally a parent if you have one, almost the same amount of responsibility, expenses and fulfillment. The kind of love and joy she will bring into your home and your family’s lives is a blessing.  

Have all her basic needs from a comfy sleeping bed to her hygiene necessities. Have a Vet near you for emergencies and health concerns.  Visit a pet grooming shop for her general grooming and hygiene needs. There are ways to take good care of your new fur baby, and like a new parent, you’ll learn it by heart.