When a person takes on the decision of owning a dog, they are instantly assuming the role of their pet’s sole provider. This is a role that involves quite a few different responsibilities. Just a few of the important things that must be provided to your pet on a regular basis includes feeding, bathing, exercise, fun, and training. However, this is not all. A dog also looks to their owner to provide them with everything that is needed to obtain and maintain optimum health. This is a responsibility that is done through routine check-ups at the veterinarian, and making sure they receive the essential vaccinations required to keep them healthy and disease free.

The time that a puppy turns 6 weeks old is when they should get their first vaccination. They will also need to receive a second ‘booster’ vaccination when they are around 12 weeks old. These injections help to make sure that your dog remains free of any risk of acquiring several different diseases. The main diseases vaccinations provide protection for include Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Distemper, Leptospirosis, and Dog Influenza.

• Parvovirus – This particular disease can be extremely serious. It can ultimately cause a dog to get pneumonia and it can also cause heart problems.
• Hepatitis – This is a viral disease that is extremely contagious. When a dog acquires this disease it can cause him to lose his life within 24 hours.
• Distemper – This is a viral infection. If it is completely left untreated it can result in the loss of life.
• Leptospirosis – This is a disease that is extremely infectious and it can be passed from dogs to humans. This is a disease that can cause liver damage, kidney damage, jaundice, and even death.
• Kennel Cough – This is a disease that is very complex, and although it does not cause death, the required treatment can be expensive.

If you are unsure of the types of vaccinations your dog should receive, or the proper times these injections should be given, consult your local veterinarian. An experienced vet will provide you with helpful information regarding each of these diseases and the exact time that you need to get your pet vaccinated. They will also supply you with information in regards to additional booster shots that your dog may need throughout his adult life to keep him continuously protected against these deadly diseases.

All dogs are born with a certain level of immunity that comes from the mother, and is received while they are still in the womb. There are also a lot more antibodies that a puppy will receive from the mother’s milk when they suckle. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for small puppies to be left with their mother for the first several weeks of life. However, the protection from this immunity does not kick in full-strength until several weeks after the birth of the pup. While this does provide a certain amount of protection against sickness and disease, it does not nearly provide a dog with all the protection they need.

Just as there are several different elements of taking care of a child, the very same holds true when you decide to bring a puppy or adult dog into your home. Below you will find several different elements that are involved with properly taking care of a dog as a pet.

Find a Veterinarian

The most important step a new dog owner will need to take is to find a local veterinarian. This is especially important if they haven’t had any of their vaccinations yet. Not only are their vaccinations a very important part of keeping them healthy and disease free, but they will also need regular check-ups as well.

Bathing and Grooming

Although dogs do not need a bath nearly as frequently as humans do, they still need to be bathed about once each month. This helps to removed dead skin cells and dirt from their coat, and it also promotes good skin health. To minimize matting and to keep your dog looking as good as he feels, you should brush his coat at least one time each day. This also helps to decrease problems with shedding, as loose hairs will come out in the dog brush instead of on your furniture.

Provide Your Dog His Own Space

It’s common for pet owners that keep dogs outside in a fence to provide them their own dog house for comfort and protection against the elements of the weather. Dogs that are kept inside the home also need a designated space that they can feel is their own. This will help him feel secure. Some people line the bottom of a dog crate with soft bedding, while others simply place a dog bed in a corner of their bedroom or living room.

Have Your Dog Spayed or Neutered

It is important for a responsible pet owner to have their dog spayed or neutered. Not only does this help to control the dog population, but it is also effective for calming dogs down that have behavior problems. Some of the other benefits of this type of procedure is it can lengthen the life of your dog and it also promotes better health.

Regular Exercise

The amount of exercise that each dog needs depends a great deal on the specific breed that they are. A regular amount of exercise is important for the overall health of your dog, and it is an activity that he will thoroughly enjoy. Dogs that get a regular amount of exercise every day end up living much longer than those that do not get much exercise at all. This is because it promotes good health and it keeps them feeling younger longer. Problems such as arthritis and other health problems do not occur as often in dogs that exercise regularly than it does in those that don’t.

A Healthy Diet

One of the most important things you can do for your dog is provide him a high quality dog food that contains a large amount of essential vitamins and nutrients. The feeding label on most brands will provide you with everything you need to know about how much your specific breed of dog needs to eat, and how often.

While it may seem like an obvious requirement to some people, there are actually many occasions where dog owners do not think of dog beds as being a necessity. Just like food, warmth, water, and love are essentials that all dogs need, so is a place he can lay his head to rest. As all dog breeds are much different from one dog to the next, the same is also true for the specific type of dog bed that each dog breed will need.

Dog Beds for Small Sized Dogs

When you are selecting a dog bed for a small dog, such as a Chihuahua, Terrier, or other such breed, choosing the right type of bed is essential to his well-being. A bed that is made out of a hard surface would not be sufficient for these types of dogs. This is simply because smaller dogs are not able to retain their own body heat nearly as well as many of the larger breeds. A better choice would be a bed that will make it easier for them to stay warm and comfortable. There are quite a few different styles, designs, sizes, and even shapes of dog beds that are made of soft plush material that is just right for small dogs. Some of the more popular choices are the beanbag styles, the donut shaped beds, and the traditional pillow type dog bed.

Dog Beds for Medium to Large Sized Dogs

Common sense will tell you that soft plush dog beds will certainly not be an appropriate choice for dog breeds that are medium to large in size. One of the biggest reasons for this is larger sized dogs tend to make a trail with their drool just about anywhere that they go. Keeping your dog’s bed clean would be a continuous job if plush fabrics were used. A much more sensible choice would be to select a dog bed that is constructed of a high quality durable plastic. A small pillow or dog blanket can be placed in these beds to make them a little cozier and require a lot less effort in cleaning.
Just as available selections of small dog beds, you will also find a wide range of varying styles in large sized dog beds. There are many sizes that range all the way up to about 50kg. The different color choices on the market today make it a cinch to blend these beds right in with the existing décor and furniture in your home.

Other Beneficial Uses of Dog Beds

While a dog bed is the perfect spot for your pooch to call his own and rest when he is tired, there are also other uses for these beds. There are many dog owners that also use them as a helpful training tool and as an area for ‘time out’ when a dog is being punished.
Keeping each of these factors in mind when selecting the right dog bed for your pets will help a great deal in making sure you select the right materials, size, and type.

While the overall condition of your dog’s health is important to pay attention to, one area that is of particular importance is the condition of their dental health. When you take a minute to think of all the different activities that a dog performs with his teeth, it becomes quite clear why dental check-ups are so important. A dog’s teeth are used for grooming, playing, personal defense, biting, barking, chewing, giving affection to his owners, nipping, and eating.

Considering each of these different activities, it is safe to say that a dog’s mouth and teeth stay much busier than any other part of his body. As a result, there is a wide range of different problems that can occur in a dog’s mouth that a pet owner should always carefully pay attention to.

Becoming informed about the following issues that can occur in your dog’s mouth and with their teeth is a great step in learning what you can to prevent or treat them.

Periodontal Disease

Just about all dogs will likely end up getting a periodontal disease at some point in their life or another. A majority of the time the reason for this is dental hygiene that is either poor or lacking altogether. One of the most noticeable symptoms of periodontal disease is foul smelling breath. Gingivitis and halitosis are common periodontal diseases that are easy to prevent. This can be done by gently brushing your dog’s teeth each and every day. You will also want to look closely along the gum line for any signs of irritation. Feeding your pet dog food that is dry can help tremendously in keeping problems like this at bay, as they help a great deal in keeping a dog’s teeth clean.

Infections of the Mouth

It is fairly common for dogs to get infections in their mouth, and there are quite a few different things that can cause this problem. Dogs love to chew on anything and everything they can. Sometimes they can obtain injuries from chewing on things like sticks or other types of hard objects. When they do this it is very easy for them to get cuts, scrapes, or scratches in the mouth that can easily turn into an infection. For this reason, you will want to check your dog’s mouth frequently for signs of an infection. When you notice any redness or swelling, an antibiotic can quickly stop the bacteria from spreading.

Foreign Objects in the Mouth or Throat

Although this is a problem that happens rather frequently, it is one that can result in the death of your dog if an object were to get lodged in his throat. Splinters from bones or sticks can become lodged in the mouth or throat of a dog. Their molars can easily become chipped or cracked when objects become lodged in their mouth. When they go unnoticed, it can result in the exposure of tooth pulp and infections. When they become lodged in the throat and the dog tries to eat it can result in choking. As they may be signs that an object is stuck in your dog’s mouth or throat, pay attention to excessive drooling, gagging or vomiting, or if your dog continuously paws at his mouth.

Mouth Tumors

When tumors in the mouth go unnoticed, it can develop into cancer and may ultimately take the life of your pet. A periodic check of your dog’s mouth will reveal tumors that should be checked or removed. This one simple step can actually save the life of your dog.

Potty training a new puppy is a task that can be very frustrating. It is however one of those things in life that we have to master if we want the enjoyment that goes along with owning a dog. While there are many people that find it an almost impossible achievement to successfully potty train a dog, it isn’t really that difficult if you follow a few rules.

Things to Keep in Mind While Potty Training Puppies

There are several things you will want to keep in mind as you attempt the process of training a pup, and they are as follows:

Dog crate training – While there are lots of families that choose to use training pads for puppies or newspapers when it’s time to potty train, a crate is much more beneficial. When a dog is trained to use a newspaper or pad, they often become very confused when you change the routine and try to retrain them to go outside. This confusion can be eliminated entirely if their potty training involves a dog crate from the very beginning. A majority of puppies will not do their business in the area they are sleeping in. Teaching them to sleep in a dog crate throughout the night helps to train them to ‘hold it’ until they are let out for the day. Immediately taking them outside after being let out of the crate helps to reinforce the routine you are trying to teach them. If you plan to leave your pooch in the crate until they are fully trained, you will want to let him out every hour or so to do his business. It’s important to give him praise immediately after he’s done what you’re asking.

Monitor your pet closely – Whenever your pooch is stretching his legs and out of his crate, you’ll want to pay very close attention to his every move. By catching every potential accident and taking your dog outside, it helps to reinforce the potty training routine.

Anticipate the needs of your pet – A good rule to remember is most dogs will usually need to go potty about 15 to 30 minutes following a meal or after they have had some water. Other times that you’ll want to take a trip outside with your pet is when he wakes up, after a fun session of playtime, after each meal, and after he drinks. Knowing each of these times of need can make it much easier to create a workable schedule for you and your dog.

Reward positive behavior – A crucial part of potty training any dog is taking the time to offer rewards for positive behavior. Dogs naturally want to please their owner, and as they realize the treats they get are because of positive actions, they’ll want to continue this type of behavior. There are numerous ways a dog can be rewarded. Just a few examples include petting, dog treats, playtime, a new toy, or simple words of praise.

Addressing accidents – The moment you catch your pooch having an accident, clap your hands loudly or make another type of abrupt noise, and then hurry to take him outside. Spanking or screaming should never be used as a tool of punishment when it comes to potty training a puppy. No benefit is gained by such treatment, and your pet will only end up fearing you.

While keeping each of these tips in mind, the main thing you want to do is be consistent. Consistency is the key to success.

Traveling with a pet is a decision that you will want to consider very carefully. While traveling is perfectly safe and tolerated well by some pets, there are others that it should not even be considered. A lot of dogs are calm natured and are not quick to become nervous. Certain dogs and breeds however are well known for their hyper attitudes and their tendency to become nervous at the slightest difference in their environment. Chihuahuas, for instance, are a breed that is well known for their barking and nervousness.

First Things First

It is important to make a checklist before you embark on an exciting vacation with a dog. This is to help ensure that once you arrive at your destination that nothing of vital importance has been left behind. If your pet takes any type of medication or vitamins on a regular basis, you will want to place these in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. This is just a safety measure in the event that a bottle of medicine becomes broken and starts leaking. Depending on how long your trip will be you may want to think about pet bathing and grooming items such as shampoo and a hair dryer. Other necessities include food, treats, and a dog leash.

Using a Dog Crate During Travel Ensures the Safety of Your Pet

There are a lot of people that travel with their pets, letting them roam freely around in the vehicle. While this may make it more enjoyable for your pet, it is also a situation that could prove to be disastrous in the event that an accident were to occur. A much safer idea would be to take advantage of a dog carrier.

There is a wide range of styles, designs, and sizes of dog carriers that make it simple to select the appropriate type for most any size and breed of dog. One of the most important parts of selecting the right carrier would be to make certain it is large enough for your dog to have extra space to move about. If the carrier you choose is not big enough, your pet can actually become injured during your travels.

If you’ll be traveling by airplane, you will want to contact the airlines to find out their rules on the specific types of carriers they allow onboard the plane. Depending on the size of your dog, he may or may not be required to be placed in a specific area by the cargo.

Most dogs do not find it very appealing to be stuck inside a carrier for the very first time. As this can be a frightening experience for your pet, it is a good idea to introduce him to his carrier prior to traveling. Make sure you give him ample opportunity to become used to the carrier.

You will also find that there are several different types of materials that are used in the manufacturing of dog carriers. For larger dogs, carriers made of sturdy wood, metal, or plastic are easily accessible. For dogs that are smaller, you will find a large choice of soft materials used in their making.

When you own a dog, proper feeding habits should begin during the stage of puppyhood and last all throughout the life of your pet. The overall condition of your dog’s health is in your hands and it’s just one of the responsibilities of being a good pet owner. It is necessary for puppies and adult dogs alike to get an adequate amount of vitamins and nutrients from the food they are eating. This will help a great deal in making certain they stay healthy enough to fight off illnesses. A healthy diet will also keep their organs and immune system functioning as it should.

Once you start feeding a dog a certain type of food, it is important that you never change their food overnight, as this is a process that will take some time. Their digestive system is much different than that of a human, making it hard for them to tolerate changes in their diet. For this reason, it is best to stick to one certain type of food. If their body is receiving an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals needed for good health, they will continue to be happy when it is time for his feeding.

Common Types of Dog Food

Most every pet owner is familiar with the three basic kinds of dog food that exist. These are the traditional dry dog food varieties, semi-moist dog food, and dog food that come in a can. Allergies rarely become a problem for pet owners, and the digestive system of most all dogs can easily tolerate one of these three choices.

The first step to make when deciding on the right dog food for your pet is reading the ingredients label supplied on the packaging. One of the main ingredients that should be listed at the top is whole meat. You should also be able to find meal or meat by-products listed at the top as well. Those that list whole grains, vegetables, or both, are even better choices. The reason these ingredients will need to be listed at the top is because on all labels the highest percentage of ingredients contained are those that are listed first.

Most people will agree that the best choice in dog foods are those that are dry and of high-quality. One of the biggest reasons for this is because dry foods have the ability to keep your dog’s teeth much healthier and cleaner than semi-moist or moist foods.

Reading the feeding requirements on dog food labels is also important. This will list helpful information in regards to the amount of food certain breeds of dogs should have. If you have a puppy, it will need to eat as much as two or three times a day. After a dog has reached one year they are considered to be an adult and will generally only need about one or two feedings each day. If the feeding label does not provide enough information about how much your specific breed of dog should eat, you’ll find there’s a ton of helpful information on the Internet.

Part of owning a dog is to be responsible and take care of its bathing needs on a regular basis. Not only is this a step that ensures your pet looks great, but it also helps to ensure that your dog’s health stays in tip top shape as well. Regular bathing for your pet serves as the perfect time to make certain that their ears, teeth, eyes, and nose are all in good health.

For best results when bathing your pets, you will want to start this process at an early age. When you first bring a puppy into your home you can even pretend to go through the motions of bathing your pet until you feel comfortable with giving him his first bath. You will want to make sure you give him plenty of time to get used to his new home and his new owner before attempting a bath or grooming. When puppies learn about bathing at a young age, they tend to feel comfortable with the entire process all through their adult life.

There are, however, some dogs that hates to be bathed no matter how you approach this necessary task. If your pet happens to be an especially troublesome bather, you may want to consider leaving this job to a professional groomer. This is often the best option to ensure no accidental harm comes to you or your pet.

The skin of most dogs is fairly sensitive, which means it is best not to use any type of harsh shampoos. Depending on your pet, you may even want to use baby shampoo when you are bathing the head, neck, ears, and around the eyes. There are several different varieties of dog shampoo that you can choose from for bathing your pets. If fleas are a problem, try adding a few drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid or pine oil to the shampoo, as they work great for killing adult fleas.

You should always begin with your dog’s head when it’s time for a bath. Rather than pouring shampoo directly onto their coat, it is best to first pour the shampoo into your hands, and then carefully rub it into his coat. This helps to ensure that none of the shampoo accidentally gets into his eyes, which can cause inflammation and be very painful.

After you have finished bathing your dog’s head, then you will want to work from the neck towards the tail of your dog. It is important to pay special attention that you reach the underside of your pet, as this is an area that is harder to get to. If your dog grows up getting bathed once every few weeks or so, it won’t take them long to start looking forward to getting their coat and skin massaged. Just as a massage feels great to most humans, this is also true of your pets.

When the bathing process is complete, it is important to dry your pet off thoroughly. If you don’t have a dryer that is specifically designed to dry dog’s hair, a few thick towels will do the trick. Water tends to accumulate on the ears, so pay close attention that they are dried thoroughly.

One of the first things a pet owner should do when they bring a new pup into their home is to consider preparing a schedule for dog training. This is because the earlier you start with the training, the better results you will receive. It is also important to note that there are some breeds of dogs that are much easier to train than others. As a matter of fact, there are some breeds that can be downright difficult. This may be something you’ll want to think about before deciding on which dog would be the best choice for you and your family.

Different Types of Training to take Into Consideration

There are many pet owners that are not aware that there are different reasons for training, as well as techniques that can be used when dog training a pet. To a majority of dog owners, potty training is by far the most important reason for training a new addition to the home. Other reasons that some people like to train their dogs is for working or to perform various types of tricks.

Different Techniques Used for Dog Training

Before you start training your dog, it would be worth your while to do a little research about each type of training technique and their benefits. There are 4 different techniques that are commonly used to train dogs and they include command training, dog whistle training, clicker training, and crate training.

Command Training

When your goal is to have your pet recognize your particular voice, this is considered to be one of the best choices in dog training techniques. When they learn to recognize their owner’s voice and the commands they are speaking, you will have no problems getting them to listen and perform.

Clickers and Whistles

When you take your pet to the lake, the beach, or an open field so they can get some exercise, a clicker or whistle can come in real handy. Once they recognize the snap of the clicker or the tone of the whistle, you can use this technique to call your dog when it is time to go.

Crate Training

Crate training can be used for several different reasons. This is a handy technique to use when a puppy first arrives in your home and you want to train it to sleep in a crate instead of your bed. It can also be used when you will be leaving your home for short period and you don’t want your pet roaming the house. Some pet owners also choose to put their dog in a crate when they are showing bad behaviors. Some of the most common behaviors a crate might be used for include extreme hyperactivity, when they have an accident, excessive barking, or when they get into something they shouldn’t.

Never Neglect Using a Reward System

Regardless of what you are training your dog to do, whenever they get something right it is important to reward them for their efforts. Most dogs will quickly catch on and begin repeating their good behavior.

Picking out a safe toy for your dog to play with actually requires more than grabbing the first brightly colored dog toy you see. There are actually several different factors that you’ll want to take into consideration as you are browsing through dog toys that will be most appropriate for your pet. A few of the most important factors are as follows:

• The response factor that your dog may have to specific types of sounds
• The breed and size of your dog
• The style and type of toy that your dog prefers playing with the most
• The age of your dog

Squeaky toys are a very popular type of dog toys that can be a great treat that most dogs enjoy. However, before buying this type of item you will want to pay special attention to how your dog responds to the noises that these toys make. The general response to squeaky noises that come from a wide assortment of dog toys will generally arouse a dog’s curiosity and provide hours of fun playtime. There are some dogs however that show nothing but fear of toys like this.

The size and particular breed of your dog is also an important factor. It can be very hazardous to offer larger sized dogs small toys because they are often too easy for these dogs to swallow. When smaller breeds are offered toys that are much too large for them they will typically become frustrated and bored very quickly. To ensure your pet is able to get a lot of playtime, excitement, and exercise from the toys you provide, make sure they are appropriate to his size.

Just as every dog is different, so are the specific preferences that many of them have. While it may be easy to grab one dog’s attention with a simple rubber ball, other dogs prefer to play with soft plush colorful toys. Pay attention to the habits of your pet and select dog toys that fit his individual likes and personality.

The age of a dog is another important factor that should be considered when dog toys are purchased. It is common knowledge that many varieties of chew toys are usually a great toy for a puppy or young dog. However, older dogs do not have the strong need to constantly chew like a puppy does. Toys that add a little more complexity into the mix are often a good idea for older dogs. This will help to promote exercise that is so important for older dogs and they are not nearly as likely to be sniffed and forgotten as a simple chew toy might be.

As you offer a new toy to your dog, you might want to think about putting one or two of his old toys up for a while and then rotating them every now and again. This will keep them from becoming old and boring to your pet. When you give it back to him, he will feel as if he’s getting a brand new toy all over again.