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Whether you are a first-time dog owner or just want to learn a little more about the general needs of a canine, it is important that you understand that there are quite a few different aspects to taking on the responsibility of raising a dog. We’re going to talk about some basic needs that should be met when raising your puppy.
Our first topic of importance is that of protecting your pup from disease. Can you remember going to the doctor for booster shots? Dogs have to go through the same thing to remain healthy. There are three separate injections given to a dog that make up a set of “core” vaccinations. The first of these is usually given when the pup is six weeks of age or older, but almost never younger than this. The next two shots are usually administered three weeks apart with a follow-up checkup to ensure that puppy is handling the vaccinations well. Vaccinations serve as a way to arm your puppy’s immune system against very serious viral disease and should be administered as soon as your puppy is old enough to handle them.
Another important part of owning a puppy is to pay attention to his hygiene. While dogs may not seem like the most complex pet, they do require basic bodily care. The amount of time and effort put forth to grooming your dog will largely depend upon the breed that you have. Some breeds have longer coats that need frequent brushing and trimming, others have long ears that must be cleaned periodically. All dogs should be bathed once in a while and attention to dental care would not go amiss. You can purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs, and all you have to do is brush in a circular motion, followed by a vertical motion—just like we brush our own teeth. Do this about three times a week and allow your dog a nice chew toy or bone once in a while and he is sure to have strong, healthy teeth.
The last thing we’re going to talk about when caring for a dog is the importance of choosing a good brand of dog food. There are certain things that dog food companies don’t want you to know, and one of them is that they don’t always provide the highest quality nutrients…or even moderate quality, for that matter! Some dog food is primarily made of meat by-products which can include road-kill and euthanized animals! It’s important that you learn how to read dog food labels and understand what nutrients your dog should be getting. This way you will know whether or not a particular brand can meet your dog’s needs. All food should have a balance of protein (from a specified source of meat), carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
You can learn more about doggy hygiene, diet, and health by visiting the Dog Food for Life website.
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