If you are a pet owner, it is essential to do everything you can to keep your pet comfortable. Whether you have a new dog or have enjoyed having dogs around all your life, here are some responsible pet care practices you need to stick to.
Veterinary Visits
As a responsible pet owner, routine veterinary visits are necessary to ensure your dog is in a healthy condition. Depending on your dog’s vaccination schedule, you may take it at least twice a year to the veterinary or frequently, especially when it is young. To establish good pet health, you have to keep up with veterinary visits as your dog ages. Many puppies seem to enjoy car rides and don’t mind a trip to a veterinary, especially if the vet is dog friendly.
At-Home Care
You are your pet’s parent, and your work is to ensure that your dog is well-groomed at all times. Ensure you regularly wash your dog to keep it clean and free from pests. Washing your dog is also vital for your health, especially if you constantly play with it. You can stay on track with responsible dog care by seeking the help of professional pet grooming, such as the Dash Dog Wash, if you have a busy routine. A professional dog wash involves all aspects of pet hygiene, including a wash, combing their coats, trimming their nails, brushing their teeth, etc.
Vaccinating Your Pet
Pet vaccination is vital for the health of your dog. As soon as you get a new puppy, schedule an immunization appointment with your vet. From there, you will be given an immunization schedule to keep up with preventing your dog from illnesses such as rabies, Lyme disease, and distemper. Even if you have adopted an older puppy, ensure it is vaccinated too.
Healthy Food
A critical aspect of responsible pet ownership is feeding your dog with healthy food and fresh water. The right pet food enriches your puppy’s health and gives it the energy and nutrient it needs. You can buy pet food from a pet store and ensure it is well balanced and appropriate for your dog’s age.
Proper Identification
Ensuring your dog has proper identification is essential. It is as simple as ensuring it has a safe collar or a tag with your contact information. If possible, you can microchip your dog to prevent any risks of ever separating with it.
Neutering/ Spaying Your Dog
Spaying your dog removes its uterus and ovaries to eliminate health risks like ovarian cancer and prevent it from getting into heat. Hence, it has fewer chances of straying away in search of a partner. You can sterilize your dog to ensure it is free from other health issues such as complicated pregnancies. It also alleviates aggression and roaming around the neighborhood. Neutering is a surgery carried out by a vet under anesthesia, and your pet will likely stay a night at the vet’s office for observation.
Exercise And Mental Stimulation For Your Dog
A Dash Dog Wash may not be enough for your dog’s health and happiness. Walking your dog regularly burns off excess energy, aids its digestive tract, eliminates boredom, and helps you bond more with your pet.
