How to Take Better Care of Your Pup

Dogs are excellent companions but deciding to adopt one is not something that should be taken lightly. These lovely animals require a lot of attention and care, so make sure you can provide them with that. You will need to undergo a significant amount of changes and adjustments once you bring them into your home. 

Also, you will very soon realize they need more than a bowl of food and a place to sleep. It's essential to establish good habits, for you and your dog, right from the get-go. These are some of the things you need to do to take better care of your pup. Beyond food and shelter, dogs need mental and physical stimulation. You'll also need to learn how to keep a clean house with a dog, which is crucial for a comfortable and organized living space. Establishing good habits from the beginning is essential for both you and your dog. These are some of the key considerations when caring for a canine companion.

Don't Neglect Their Teeth.

Just like with humans, mouth hygiene is critical. However, very often, dog owners forget about this part of their pet's health. If you neglect to do this, it will cause many problems in the future for them. The vets recommend you start brushing your puppy's teeth as soon as possible. Beginning this practice when they are little, will create a habit that will, after a while, become like second nature for both of you.

When it comes to toothbrushes, you can use the one people use, but it's necessary to use toothpaste specially made for dogs. In terms of timing, the best time to brush their teeth is immediately after they had many exercises. They will be calmer and more ready to cooperate. Dogs really have no problems with this cleaning process, but they have questions about controlling themselves, and very often, they will lick the toothpaste before you're able to brush their teeth.

Make Sure You Use High-Quality Food

Nutrition is essential if you want your pup to live the best possible life. Thankfully, you can go to a pet health store and find everything you need to prepare the best possible meal for your pet. You can even add supplements into their diet and help them stay active, healthy, and happy. Of course, don't forget to ask your vet for recommendations about what you can include in their meals.  

Also, keep in mind that food for pups and adult dogs is not the same. The time when they go from one formulation to the other depends on the breed. The feeding schedule is also vital. As they become more prominent, you will need to cut down to 2 meals a day. And last but not least, don't forget about securing fresh water at their disposal at all times.  

Early Signs of Illness

In the first weeks of their lives, puppies can all of a sudden become ill. Although they will be able to recover without consequences in most cases, there are still situations when things can get serious if you don't catch the signs early on. So, keep your eyes open for any differences in behavior in your pup. If you notice a lack of appetite, a swollen or painful abdomen, difficulty breathing, low weight gain, and tiredness, among other things, you should contact your vet.

Don't Forget About Vaccination.

One of the most important things that needs to happen in each puppy's life is getting all the necessary vaccines. Dogs need primary immunization, just like human babies, to keep them protected from certain illnesses. You should make sure that they get all the shots they need.

Although vaccination has become a bit controversial in the last several years, it's still the best form of protection for puppies regarding possible health issues. These vaccine visits will also allow your vet to keep a close eye on your pet and track its progress and health in the process.

Bonding Time

You are the most critical person in your pup's life. So, if you want to have a happy and well-adjusted dog, you need to give them a proper amount of attention and love. This starts the moment the very first day you bring them into your house. You can grow and nurture this bond through training, general exercise, and training, among other things. If you want to have a well-behaved dog, you might want to enroll in obedience classes.

Dogs bring a tremendous amount of joy into our lives, and as such, they should be treated with love and respect. For your puppy to be well-taken care of, you need to ensure it's in good health primarily. So, scheduled visits to the vet's office are simply a must. Also, don't forget to provide them with good food and all the necessary supplements.

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