By Alex Paul

Having a dog comes with an abundance of responsibilities. It may be challenging, but it’ll prove to be well worth it in the end. As a pet parent, you’ll be able to form a lifetime relationship with your pooch. He or she will become loyal to you, and you can pretty much guarantee that they’ll be sitting at the door when you arrive home from work.

Just remember that you need to care for each and every aspect of your dog. You must clean up after them, monitor their diet and make sure they have plenty of exercise. This guide will teach you more about caring for your new dog.

Choosing the Right Breed

First and foremost, you need to make sure that you choose the right breed. As you know, some dogs are bigger than others. They’re great if you have a big backyard. If you don’t, you’re probably going to want to go with a smaller dog breed. This will ensure that you have no trouble keeping your dog inside of your home or apartment.

At the same time, you should consider your health. Are you physically able to lift the dog or is it too big? If you’re an older or physically-challenged individual, you may want to consider choosing a smaller dog. This will ensure that your pooch is not too much for you to handle physically. You can learn more about the various breeds at Breedsy.

Energy Levels

You also need to understand that your new best friend is going to require plenty of exercise. It doesn’t matter what breed your dog is, you’ll have to make sure they get a sufficient amount of exercise each and every day. A lack of activity can be very detrimental to any dog’s health. Using up your dog’s energy is also one of the best ways to avoid behavioral issues. Taking your dog for regular walks will also decrease the chances of obesity.

However, it’s important to be aware of weather dangers, including extreme heat or cold.

Walk your dog frequently and put them on a healthy diet to ensure that they remain happy and healthy for many years to come.

Basic Feeding Guidelines

As a pet parent, you need to make sure that your pooch is getting plenty of natural food. However, you also have to monitor their intake to ensure that they do not overdo it.

• Puppies between the ages of eight and twelve weeks should be provided four nutritious meals each day.
• Puppies between the ages of three to six months need three meals per day.
• For dogs six months of age and older, you should only have to feed two healthy meals per day.

It is vital to understand that the feeding requirements depend on several factors, including your dog’s breed, weight and any health conditions. Speak with your veterinarian to ensure you’re providing a suitable amount of nutrients and calories.

Grooming

You’ll need to take steps to ensure that your canine friend is groomed properly. Frequent brushing can help to control shedding, loosen dirt or pests, and prevent matting. Bathing your dog is going to help them remain clean and fresh. When you bathe your dog, you’ll also be able to spot potential problems, including ticks and fleas. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo that is specifically designed for canines to prevent potential problems.

Proper Handling

There will come a time when you have to physically pick up your dog. This won’t be too big of a problem as long as you do it right. If you’re picking up your dog incorrectly, there is a chance you’ll hurt them. This is more dangerous when picking up a puppy. When carrying a smaller dog, you want to make sure that you place a hand underneath the dog’s chest, and use the other hand to support the dog’s rump or back legs. Bigger dogs are less fragile but it’s a challenge to lift them. Make sure that you pick up a bigger dog securely so they do not fly out of your hands.

Bedtime

You’ll need to find a place for your dog to sleep. Make sure that you provide a safe, warm, comfortable and quiet place to rest, in order to prevent overnight disturbances and barking.

Caution: Sleeping with a puppy or small dog can be risky. You could roll over onto them and hurt or suffocate them.

Inspecting for Ticks and Fleas

Fleas and ticks can be frustrating and dangerous for dogs. You need to identify and treat problems as quickly as possible. You should go out of your way to inspect your dog for ticks and fleas daily. Give him or her a good rub and look for pests.

Getting Everything You Need

Finally, you need to make sure that you have everything you need to properly care for your dog. You’re obviously going to need food, water, and a bowl for each. At the same time, you should invest in a collar, leash, dog carrier, and some toys. You’ll also want a training pad and perhaps some puppy diapers.

With a little bit of research and patience, you’ll end up with a good friend for life.

Author Bio
Alex Paul is a guest post writer from Smartguestposts. He has years of experience and has been highly praised for the overall quality of his content. Having written on a wide range of topics, Alex takes great pride in his craft. He possess a wealth of knowledge on a variety of subjects, which has enabled him to become such a skilled writer

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