Tips To Look After Your Dog – Dog Care Basics (2023)

Being a responsible dog owner means taking all the relevant duties to look after your dog. That doesn’t just mean feeding them every day; it means taking every possible route to ensure they live happy and healthy life. 

Take some time to read and learn about these top tips for looking after your dog.

Know What You Are Feeding Them

Knowing what to feed your dog can ensure they stay healthy and live long lives. A dog’s diet needs to be balanced and nutritional to help manage health-related problems and aid them in being able to exert good energy during exercise.

A well-balanced diet will support their physical development, help them maintain their energy levels, and improve their overall quality of life. 

By feeding your dog food they like, you help them feel happy, relaxed and able to enjoy their food more. 

Get Your Dog Microchipped

There are many reasons why you should get your dog microchipped.

Firstly, microchips help for identification purposes. Having your dog microchipped will ensure it can be identified if it gets lost. This can be useful for ensuring that your dog gets home safely.

Microchips also have special scanners that are widely available, which makes it easier to track down where your dog might be in the case of an emergency. The chip will also prove that the pet is yours and eradicate the need for proof of ownership. 

They even provide health benefits for veterinarians who can assess your pet’s medical history and make more informed decisions about your dog’s health.

Overall, a microchip will help give you peace of mind in the case of an emergency, so it is a worthwhile investment. 

Get Your Dog Neutered

Having your dog neutered (or spaying for female dogs) is a common and recommended procedure for most dogs. Some reasons might be:

1. Population control: Neutering will help prevent overpopulation by reducing the number of unwanted dogs and puppies.
2. Health benefits: Neutering can help prevent various cancers and reduce the risk of behavioural issues such as aggression and marking. 
3. Better behaviour: Neutered dogs are often more relaxed, easier to train, and less likely to become territorial. 
4. Cost-effective: Having puppies can be an extremely stressful experience and costly. Having your dog neutered will save you money in the long run and avoid any expensive medical bills that accompany pregnancy.
5. Prevents accidental breeding: Neutering prevents accidental breeding, which can be dangerous for the mother and her puppies.

There are many reasons why you should consider getting your dog neutered. It is recommended to check with your veterinarian if you are unsure, and they will advise the best time to get your dog neutered. 

Register With A Veterinarian

Registering with a local veterinarian is extremely important for your dog’s health.

A vet will perform regular check-ups on your dog by keeping them up to date with vaccinations, parasite control, and other essential checks. 

They will also be able to spot early signs of illnesses and treat them promptly, dramatically increasing the chances of a successful outcome. 

A vet will also help offer personalised care for you, letting you know the best routes to take based on your dog’s specific breed and nature. 

Your vet can offer immediate emergency care should it arise, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing that the help you need will be there. 

Overall, a vet is necessary for any dog owner and should be sourced immediately after getting your dog. 

Consider Getting Pet Insurance

Pet insurance might be a valid option if you are worried about the unexpected costs of owning a dog. 

Insurance will ensure that all your unexpected veterinary treatments, surgeries, and diagnostic tests are covered when needed, which will give you peace of mind knowing you can afford to provide your pet with the necessary medical care.

Insurance for your dog will mean more veterinary treatments are available should they ever be needed, as they can see that your insurance largely covers the funds. This can be highly beneficial when your pet needs veterinary treatment that is unavailable everywhere.

It’s worth noting that pet insurance does not cover preventative care like vaccinations, neutering, and anti-parasite treatment. Instead, it will cover areas like pet illnesses and unexpected injuries.

Pet insurance can be a worthwhile investment to ensure your dog can get whatever treatment they need regardless of the cost. 

In Summary

There are many ways to make yourself a better pet owner, whether it be nutritionally or taking them for regular vet visits. By taking on as many of these tips as possible, you will be en route to offering your dog a long and healthy life.