7 Ways To Be A Responsible Dog Owner
Did you know September 21st is Responsible Dog Ownership Day? All dogs and puppies need a responsible owner, and that goes beyond the basics of providing food, water, and shelter. There are many things you should consider when getting a dog and during the period of ownership. Here is our list of the 7 ways to be a responsible dog owner!
1. Get Them Spayed or Neutered
Getting your pet fixed is extremely beneficial to their health and can also positively impact your dog’s behavior! Female dogs will live a longer, healthier life, since spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors. Neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. Some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering. Getting your pets fixed also doesn’t have to break the bank! Check out our list of Top Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinics Las Vegas!
2. Prioritize Regular Veterinary Care
Taking your dog to the vet regularly for preventative care is extremely important. They should always be current on their vaccines, as vaccines can protect your dog from contracting a variety of illnesses, some of which can be fatal. They also should get regular check-ups and dental examinations.Taking your dog to the vet can help detect (and sometimes prevent) diseases and other life-threatening conditions early on, saving you money and heartache in the long run. Here is our list of Five Best Vets Las Vegas.
3. Give Them Adequate Exercise
Exercise is a necessity for maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being. Dogs that stay lean and trim are less likely to have joint issues, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer! In addition to keeping them fit, exercise outside provides dogs with fresh air and sunshine. Sunlight stimulates the production of endorphins that help keep us in a good mood. So just being outside can increase your dog’s emotional health! If you think you need help getting your dogs the exercise they need, check out our information for Dog Walkers in Las Vegas!
4. Feed Them a Healthy Diet
Dogs are not strict carnivores, so a good dog food will contain meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. The best dog foods contain high-quality versions of these ingredients that are appropriate for your dog’s digestive system. We know there are some great foods and some not-so-great foods on the market. So, how do we know we are choosing the best food for our dog’s breed and nutritional needs? The American Kennel Club has a great article on How To Choose the Best Dog Food for your dog!
5. Get Them Microchipped
One of the most effective means of protecting your dog from being lost or stolen is microchipping them. Microchips are tiny computer chips that are implanted under your pet’s skin and are associated with the owner’s name and contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan the pet and contact the owner if the pet is lost! Collars or tags can easily break, fall off, or even the name or phone number can wear off of the tag over time. A chip greatly increases the likelihood that your pet will be returned to you if they are lost, and they last a lifetime! For more information, here is a great Q & A from Pet WebMD on microchipping your pets.
6. Understand The Breed
Understanding your dog’s breed is a must, as it helps you know if your home is a good fit for your dog. A dog’s breed will determine what their drive is going to be as well as give you insight on potential health concerns to keep track of. Lifespan can also be affected by the breed itself, so you’ll be able to know how long your dog is going to live and how best to fulfill his needs. Knowing your dog’s breed will also help you understand why she’s acting the way she is, and how you can curb certain behaviors and train your dog properly. Breeds can give you a basic understanding of your canine friend and what to expect on an instinctive level. Don’t know your dog’s breed? Check out this article on Dog DNA Tests!
7. Meet your Dog’s Social and Emotional Needs
Dogs are highly social animals, and need plenty of enrichment to stay happy and healthy. This includes spending time with humans and other dogs. At dog parks and daycares, your dog gets to communicate with other dogs through body language and other communication skills. Check out our list of the top Las Vegas Dog Parks. Also,you can try something new and exciting such as dog yoga! There are tons of benefits of yoga for your dog, and it creates a stronger bond between you and your pet as well!
So, which of these 7 ways to be a responsible dog owner will you commit to? We hope all of them! We promise that doing all of these things will keep your dogs happy, deepen your relationship with them and will give you the confidence that you are doing everything in your power to ensure your dog’s lifelong wellness! If you ever feel overwhelmed by meeting all of your dogs needs, contact us to see how we can help.
