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Many people want a furry friend in their lives, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the needs of different pets. Dogs can be particularly intimidating due to their size, financial investment, and free time required, but adopting one could be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. If you think you’d like a dog in your life but aren’t sure how to adjust your lifestyle, here are some easy tips to keep your new dog happy and healthy.
1. Supply Consistent Enrichment
Being introduced to a new environment can be overwhelming for dogs of any age, so it’s important to give them time to adjust. Once your dog is familiar with their new home, you’ll need to provide a variety of dog enrichment toys, like a dog lick mat, to keep your pup occupied. If your dog gets bored easily while you’re away, you may notice destructive behaviors like chewing, licking, or going potty inside the house. Giving your dog a way to get rid of excess energy by solving puzzles, using their brain, and stimulating the different senses can help protect the rest of your home in addition to keeping your pup happy.
2. Exercise Often
Exercise is good for you and your dog, so it’s important to do so regularly. Going for walks is a great opportunity to bond or work on training goals as well. Different dog breeds were initially bred to perform different tasks, so some dogs might like to run, whereas others prefer to herd or sniff out hidden prizes. Knowing more about your dog’s breed can help you better care for them in the long run.
3. Socialize Consistently
Socializing is especially important for young dogs. Socializing properly from a young age can help prevent issues with aggression and other unwanted behavior later on. You should introduce your dog to other animals and people, including children, so that they can get used to different types of company. Over-socializing too quickly can cause some anxiety in some dogs, so it’s important to ease into it and not force interactions. Switching up your location can also be useful. The dog park can be a bit much for some dogs, but it’s a paradise for others.
One important piece of equipment for dog park use is a secure and sturdy fence to ensure the safety of all the dogs inside the park.
4. Groom Regularly
Regular grooming is essential for pet health and happiness. Some grooming you can do at home, such as brushing, bathing, teeth brushing, or nail clipping. For some people, it’s simply easier to have someone else do it. Grooming businesses usually have equipment that makes the entire grooming process faster, easier, and less stressful for your pet. This is also one way of helping your dog socialize more. In addition to cleaning up your pet, grooming is also a chance to look for any physical abnormalities you may have missed since the last bath, and your groomer may point out a new bump or mark they noticed.
5. Check In With Your Vet
Every pet should have regular visits with a trusted vet. Regular visits help to catch health problems before they arise or progress to a dangerous stage that costs more money and emotional distress for everyone involved. Since dogs tend to get more expensive as they age, you may want to consider pet health insurance. It’s not for everyone, but it can certainly help with those unexpected expenses. Dogs can be unpredictable, and you never know when your pup will come across an unfriendly dog or get distracted and run into the street. No one likes to think about it, but pet owners have enough to worry about when their pet is in danger or pain, and expensive pet bills are just another source of stress.
Owning a dog is a huge responsibility, but dogs can add so much love and life to the home. With some careful planning and regular routines, you can make sure your dogs remain happy and healthy throughout their lives.
