Dogs, like people, require certain fundamental elements in order to live. Dog food, a collar, a pet identification tag, bowls for eating, a dog kennel or crate, a dog house, a dog rug or bed, toys, chews, and bones are among the top 10 items on their dog care list, with treats coming in at number ten.
Dog Care Top Ten List
#1 Healthy Diet
Healthy food is essential for life, and as a general rule, whatever food your puppy ate as a puppy should be allowed to continue consuming. If you must change it for whatever reason, make the change as gradually as possible.
One suggestion would be to mix some of the old and new brands to assist his developing digestive system acclimatise. Keep in mind that the higher quality dog food you buy, the healthier your dog will be.
#2 Collar that is well-fitting
A collar is required for walking your puppy, as well as for keeping him well-supervised and for identifying purposes. An adjustable puppy collar is the finest sort to acquire for pups because the collar increases in size gradually as your puppy develops in size.
In terms of proper identification for mature dogs, a buckle collar is the ideal option. “Tight enough not to slip over the dog’s head, but loose enough to get a couple fingers through,” says the designer.
You don’t want to choke your dog, so go for ease, but you also don’t want to lose him.
#3 ID Tag
A pet ID tag is one of the most straightforward ways to keep your dog safe and ensure that he is returned to you if he becomes separated from you. Make sure the ID tag includes your name, address, and phone number, as well as the name of the puppy or dog.
Order forms for pet identity tags are available at most veterinarian hospitals and pet stores, so they’re not hard to come by.
Another more expensive option is to have your dog tattooed or have a detectable ID microchip inserted in him. This easy treatment can be performed by your veterinarian.
Your dog will then be registered into a national registration, making him easy to locate in the event that he goes missing.
#4 Food Bowls
All dogs should have two bowls, one for drinking water and the other for eating. Dogs require fresh, clean water at all times, and non-slip bowls with flat bottoms are ideal for this purpose; otherwise, the puppy or dog may tip it over.
Stainless steel bowls are the ideal option since they are easy to clean, and some curious puppies enjoy sinking their teeth into plastic bowls.
#5 Crate Or Kennel For Your Puppy
While it is not required, some dog owners prefer to keep their puppies in a kennel or indoor box while they are away from home in order to help them learn better and to avoid the risk of the puppy harming itself if left alone.
It’s critical that your puppy doesn’t feel cramped or limited in the crate or kennel, and that he or she can still stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
#6 Doghouse
It’s not a good idea to leave your dog alone in the back yard all of the time, but it’s fine once in a while, and many dogs like being outside in the fresh air. Backyard time need a substantial doghouse.
When constructing or purchasing a doghouse for your puppy, take in mind how big he will grow to be. However, if the doghouse is too large, the dog may struggle to stay warm during the cold months.
#7 A Rug Or A Bed
The oils in a dog’s coat can discolour your carpets and furniture. Purchase a comfortable bed, rug, or pad for your dog and place it in a location where he will use it. Encourage him to nap on it rather than your couch or favourite chair.
#8 Chew Toys
Toys provide hours of entertainment for dogs and can serve as terrific playmates when you are not present. Dogs appreciate noisy toys, tug toys, and hard rubber toys that they can fetch, such as rubber balls.
When purchasing toys for your dog, be sure there is nothing that they can rip or bite off that could wind up in their mouth and being swallowed. In the worst-case situation, the dog may need surgery or to have his stomach pumped.
There have been cases where dogs have died after swallowing a piece of a dog toy.
Your puppy will need chews since he is cutting new teeth and wants to bite down on anything. If you don’t provide your puppy chew toys, he’ll start chewing on your furniture! Hard rubber toys are the safest for puppies.
#9 Bones
Adult dogs enjoy chewing on bones, and some even make a game of it by burying them in the backyard to be dug out later.Bones are high in minerals and other nutrients, and they assist to fulfil your dog’s hunger.
Chewing helps prevent plaque formation on teeth and gum disease by stimulating saliva enzymes. A dog chewing on a dog bone is also less likely to scratch or lick his paws excessively. Many vets, however, agree that giving your dog a bone isn’t worth the risk of major injury.
If you’re thinking about giving him a bone, here are some guidelines to keep in mind for his safety.
Don’t:
#1 Don’t feed your dog a bone that isn’t appropriate for him.
#2 No cooked bones of any kind should be given to your dog.
#3 Allow your dog to chew any type of bone into little bits as little as possible. Don’t offer your dog bits of bone since they can clog his intestines.
#4 If your dog has gastrointestinal problems, don’t offer him a bone.
#5 If there is another dog visiting, don’t give your dog a bone to chew on.
Do:
#1 Serve the bones of raw meat.
#2 After 10 to 15 minutes, take the bone away from your dog and place it in the fridge.
#3 After three to four days, discard the bone.
#4 Huge breeds like German Shepherd Dogs, Bloodhounds, and Mastiffs should be fed large bones.
#5 When giving a bone to your dog, keep an eye on him.
#6 Know what you’re buying.
#10 Treats
Dog treats are a great way to show your puppy or dog how much you appreciate their good behaviour. The majority of dogs learn to associate a treat with this activity. Purchase the most nutritional treats you can, but don’t make “treating” a habit, otherwise your puppy or dog may gain excess weight.
