Basic Care For Your Dog

This post contains useful information for the care of your dog. It is a sponsored post, but all thoughts are my own.

As many of you know having a dog in your home is one of the most rewarding and therapeutic things you can do for you and your family. The comfort, love, and entertainment they provide are beyond valuable and worth the extra time and energy they require. If you have a dog or are thinking about adding one to your family here are some basic dog care guidelines you need to consider.

It’s important to remember that each dog is unique and requires different things. It’s best to talk to your Veterinarian about your specific breed. However, every dog needs the following along with good quality food:

Time and Love – Your dog will love you more than they love themselves. They will do anything to please you and will soak up all the love you will give them. However, time and training are so important to develop an obedient dog. To develop good habits new things, like brushing and teeth care, will need to be introduced a little at a time. You will need patience and consistency which will pay off in the end.

Clean Water – Dogs require lots of clean water to keep them cool and healthy. Be sure to provide fresh, clean water at all times.

Exercise – Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and stay healthy. Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, sex, age and level of health. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet’s instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase.

Brushing – Help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding with frequent brushing. A quick daily brushing can also help you check for skin problems and fleas and ticks. You will also notice less hair to clean up in your home.

Teeth Care – Did you know your dog needs their teeth brushed? Dental bones and treats alone will not clean their teeth and prevent dental problems. Slowly introduce brushing by first moving your dog’s lips with your fingers until they are comfortable with you around their mouths. After a few days wrap some gauze around your finger and lightly rub their teeth and gums. Next, introduce a doggy tooth brush and doggy toothpaste. Soon you will get to the point where you can brush their teeth.

Clean Dishes – Your dog’s water and food dishes are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. You should thoroughly clean the dishes at least once a week to avoid illness.

Bathing – Some dogs only require a few baths a year, but if you have an active dog they will need a bath every two weeks to keep them from smelling bad. Be sure to use a dog shampoo and conditioner rather than people shampoo and rinse until water runs clear. If your dog has short hair they can air dry after rubbing them with a towel. Longer haired dogs will need to be blown dry with a hair dryer.

Ear Care – Dog ears are prone to infections and need to be cleaned at least once a month. An equal mixture of white vinegar and warm water can do the trick. Using an ear dropper squirt a few drops of the mix into the dog’s ears and rub the outside of the dog’s ears to get the liquid deep into the ears. Use a cotton pad and gently wipe the inside of their ears.

Veterinarian Care – Regular checkups can help you stay ahead of any health issues your dog may develop. It’s suggested that your dog visit the vet every six months. Your dog may benefit from receiving a number of vaccinations and spaying and neutering are important.

Flea and Tick Prevention – To prevent problems with fleas and ticks I recommend using Adams™ Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies. I have been using this collar and am very impressed with how it’s keeping my dog free from any flea issues especially in the warm weather of Louisiana where fleas and ticks run rampant. My sweet pet spends some of her time outside and with daily brushing and checking she continues to be clear from problems. Adams™ Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies is easy to use and only needs to be changed out every six months. The package contains two collars that will cover you for a full year and can be found at your local Walmart and Walmart.com. Just look for the red circle tin.

Proactive prevention is key to keep pests away rather than waiting until infestation occurs which can be expensive and can affect your family. Flea infestation can cause serious skin diseases and whole body illnesses to your dog. Once your home is infested the fleas can also bite your family. Along with using the Adams™ Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs & Puppies be sure to clean your dog’s bed, treat your yard, and vacuum your home often. Fleas can spread quickly.

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In celebration of the new collar, Adams PetCare is conducting a contest where pet owners can win $1,000 in prizes by submitting their dog’s selfie. Top honors will go to entries that capture the pride a dog feels when pest-free. No purchase necessary. See website for details.

Here’s a free checklist printable to keep you on top of your responsibilities.