As a responsible pet parent, you must have a passion for dogs as I do. The problem many times is that people adopt a dog without doing their homework and may get a breed of dog that does not quite fit into the family. When planning on adding to the family with a new dog, it is imperative that you research various breeds of dogs to first find the perfect dog that meets your family’s needs and expectations. For instance, if you live in an apartment, you would not want to get a herding dog that needs tons of space to exercise and run whereas you would not adopt a Chihuahua in a family with small children. Due to no fault of your own, many pet parents do make some common mistakes.
As a loving pet parent myself, I cannot even believe some of the mistakes that many other parents are guilty of. I would only hope that this article will be a gentle reminder to the responsibility set forth as loving pet parents that we are . . . or want to be. Whether your dog gets sick or not, it is imperative that you bring your dog into your veterinarian for a health check and visit at least once a year. Included in that visit are the necessary vaccinations that all dogs should get yearly as well as preventative care and medication to ward off the dreaded heartworm. Yes, it is costly to take your dog to the vet but that is the responsibility that you take on when you become a pet parent. Just imagine the higher cost of losing your dog due to lack of vaccinations and preventative medications.
Never ever leave your dog without an identification tag and/or microchip. We may think, “my dog never gets loose so we don’t have to have a collar and tags on him/her” but there is always that emergency situation where your dog sneaks out of the house or yard due to no fault of your own. That is a scary enough thought but to think that my dog could never be identified and returned home by some Good Samaritan who has no idea where he/she lives freaks me out.
Do not let your dog run free. Many pet owners think they can trust their dogs to run around or go for walks outside without being contained and/or leashed. The fact of the matter is, no matter how well-behaved your dog is, if that dog suddenly sees another dog, bunny, squirrel or other animal it could suddenly run off. They run the risk of getting hurt by another aggressive animal and/or get hit by a car. A dog that runs loose can also get into some trash and toxic materials. Protect your dog in a fenced-in yard at all times, and when on a walk, put on a protective leash.
When it comes to feeding your dog, many pet parents go for the cheaper foods rather than looking after the nutritional needs of dogs. When feeding your dog, just as feeding yourselves, the cheaper generic foods are full of fillers that actually have no nutritional value at all. Then you have to supplement your dogs’ food with other supplements and vitamins to meet its needs. In the long run, a more nutritional food will meets all your dogs’ needs, requiring a lesser amount. When it comes to your dogs’ health, don’t skimp on nutrition.
It is important to monitor your dog on a daily basis. Dogs are not like us. We get sick and act like babies but a dog, when not well, is such a trouper. Most of them go on like nothing is wrong. It takes a responsible pet parent to be aware of common behavior in your dog so that when the behavior seems “out of tune” you can recognize there is a problem . . . and call your vet.
Be sure your home is completely puppy-proof. Do not put anything past the smarts of your best canine friend. It is imperative that all people foods and any toxins and cleaners are kept out of the reach of any pets in the home. Also be aware of tiny objects that can be swallowed (like those dreaded tiny legos). We had those everywhere when my kids were young.
Having a dog (or two or more) is a huge responsibility and as pet parents we need to take that responsibility very seriously. Keep your dog in a very healthy state with regular vet check-ups, a good nutritional diet and a completely safe puppy-proof yard and home. Being observant will serve as a way to know the health and happiness of your favorite canine family member.
