Dogs provide us with plenty of love, and in turn, we do our best to ensure that they are happy, healthy and safe. Of course, this means providing them with plenty of great nutritious food and fresh water. But there are many other important aspects of pet care that you probably need to consider.
We all run to the vet if our pet is unwell or has been hurt, but it is equally important to bring your pet to the veterinarian for a well visit. Every year, your dog's doctor will examine them carefully and make notes about any changes they see, as well as running some helpful blood tests to make sure everything is working just as it should. Often, your vet might pick up on an issue during these well checks that can be resolved or treated in early stages.
Just like with people, there are many vaccines that are highly important for dogs. Obviously, all dogs are required by law to have a current rabies vaccination. Your dog also needs to be up-to-date with their bordetella vaccine, which prevents kennel cough, a miserable and highly contagious upper respiratory infection similar to whooping cough in humans. Distemper vaccines and vaccines that prevent Lyme disease are other important vaccines your dog will need. In addition, it's wise to consider medications that prevent heartworms, as well as some type of flea and tick treatment.
Unlike humans, dogs shouldn't be bathed every day; however, dogs do need proper grooming. This not only includes the daily brushing of fur, but also trimming fur for longer-haired dogs, trimming hair around the ears, cleaning the ears, trimming toenails and a bath every other week. This keeps their skin healthy and coat nice and shiny.
Another aspect of pet care that people often neglect is proper dog training, but this truly can transform your pet's life. With training, your dog will be the wonderful companion that you can take almost anywhere and who doesn't display irritating and destructive behavior. Often, it's the dogs with behavior problems that end up in shelters, and even if you have no intention of abandoning your pet, won't you enjoy your dog more if he or she displays good behavior? In addition, well-trained dogs are safe animals. They are safe around people and other dogs and don't get into situations where they might be in harm's way.
One easy way to get the most out of the relationship between you and your dog is by using a DVD dog training program such as The Dog's Way. With 12 easy-to-follow, step-by-step DVD lessons, it takes just a few weeks of patient instruction to transform your dog or puppy into an amazing companion you will enjoy for many years. In addition to the lesson, there is a helpful workbook and reminder cards that you can tote along with you as you go on walks to help reinforce skills. Your dog will soon learn many crucial skills such as sitting, staying, walking on a loose leash, understanding boundaries and many other common issues.
We all run to the vet if our pet is unwell or has been hurt, but it is equally important to bring your pet to the veterinarian for a well visit. Every year, your dog's doctor will examine them carefully and make notes about any changes they see, as well as running some helpful blood tests to make sure everything is working just as it should. Often, your vet might pick up on an issue during these well checks that can be resolved or treated in early stages.
Just like with people, there are many vaccines that are highly important for dogs. Obviously, all dogs are required by law to have a current rabies vaccination. Your dog also needs to be up-to-date with their bordetella vaccine, which prevents kennel cough, a miserable and highly contagious upper respiratory infection similar to whooping cough in humans. Distemper vaccines and vaccines that prevent Lyme disease are other important vaccines your dog will need. In addition, it's wise to consider medications that prevent heartworms, as well as some type of flea and tick treatment.
Unlike humans, dogs shouldn't be bathed every day; however, dogs do need proper grooming. This not only includes the daily brushing of fur, but also trimming fur for longer-haired dogs, trimming hair around the ears, cleaning the ears, trimming toenails and a bath every other week. This keeps their skin healthy and coat nice and shiny.
Another aspect of pet care that people often neglect is proper dog training, but this truly can transform your pet's life. With training, your dog will be the wonderful companion that you can take almost anywhere and who doesn't display irritating and destructive behavior. Often, it's the dogs with behavior problems that end up in shelters, and even if you have no intention of abandoning your pet, won't you enjoy your dog more if he or she displays good behavior? In addition, well-trained dogs are safe animals. They are safe around people and other dogs and don't get into situations where they might be in harm's way.
One easy way to get the most out of the relationship between you and your dog is by using a DVD dog training program such as The Dog's Way. With 12 easy-to-follow, step-by-step DVD lessons, it takes just a few weeks of patient instruction to transform your dog or puppy into an amazing companion you will enjoy for many years. In addition to the lesson, there is a helpful workbook and reminder cards that you can tote along with you as you go on walks to help reinforce skills. Your dog will soon learn many crucial skills such as sitting, staying, walking on a loose leash, understanding boundaries and many other common issues.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan loves watching dog show. For more details about best dog training DVDs, or to discover other dog training videos like obedience training DVD online, please visit the TheDogsWay.com website now.