How to Make Sure Your Dog is Happy
Owning pets is no easy task. You have a lot of responsibilities to fulfill so that they can grow up to be well-mannered animals in the future. These responsibilities include satisfying their basic needs as well as their wants. From their food to their shelter, from their grooming to their health requirements, all these chores will be yours to shoulder the moment you have possession of your beloved creature. It is no different from being a parent to a human baby.
Dogs top the list of the most preferred pet in the history of mankind. They are loyal, easy to train, smart and fun to be with. Whether you like guard dogs like German shepherd or pitbulls, toy dogs like Japanese Spitz or Shih Tzu, sport dogs like Golden Retriever and Doberman, you will surely be having the time of your life if you spent it with these wonderful animals.
Since you get a lot of benefits hanging out with your pet dog, doesn’t it follow that you should also do everything within your means to keep them blissful? It’s the least you can do for all the unforgettable moments that they have given you. Here are some significant ways to make your dog happy. Read on.
The first thing that you should do to keep your dog in a state of nirvana is to provide it with the requisite food, water, exercise, dog house and a regular visit to the friendly neighborhood veterinarian. Make sure that you are presenting them with nutrients that are appropriate for their breed and age. Bigger dogs need more calories and protein than their smaller counterparts. In the same manner, puppies have slightly different nutritional requirements than their adult counterparts. Dogs with thick and fluffy coat also need more zinc and other minerals compared to those with thinner and finer hair.
Daily or weekly exercise is the way to go in terms of physical activities for these four-legegd creatures. Walking them in the park or playing Frisbee with them three times a week for a minimum of at least 30 minutes per session is enough to give their cardiovascular system a good workout. This will prevent them from getting obese or developing diseases like atherosclerotic hearts.
A dog house is necessary to protect them from the scorching heat of the summer sun. It will also act as their refuge during the biting cold of the winter season.
Visiting the local vet will also ensure that they are in tiptop shape. Be conscious of their needed vaccinations. Shots against rabies and Parvo virus must be ticked off in their medical record. Heed your vet’s advice if he has additional immunizations because they are aware that each dog breed has varying needs.
You may also give them a treat once in a while by giving them pampering sessions in a dog spa. Bubbly shower baths, nail clipping, fur trimming, tooth brushing and other related services will make your pet dog feel so loved. Consequently, these hygienic activities will also help banish the pesky fleas that might have invaded their sensitive skin.
Spend quality time with your pooch. Aside from your bonding moments during your exercise session, make time to cuddle with him as soon as you get home from work. You may also try talking to him like you would any normal person. Studies show that relating with animals lower the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Therefore, this seemingly simple task will then give long-term benefits to both of you.
Lastly, dog-proof your home so that accidents can be avoided or at the very least, minimized. Make sure all electrical appliances are kept or installed in safe places. Be meticulous about dangling wires and sharp or heavy kitchen tools and utensils spread just about anywhere. Place your things in their proper locations so that your pet dog won’t trip on it.