A pet could be the perfect thing to complete your family. There’s no better family pet than a dog. Those four legged furries have a habit of cementing their place in your home and your heart. Though dog ownership offers many rewards, it’s a big responsibility. As well as caring for your dog’s needs, you have to care for their health, too. A dog can’t tell you how they’re feeling. It’s important you spot any problems before they get serious. You’ll also need to take steps to cover the financial costs of illness! This list should give you some idea of health commitments any dog owner needs to consider.
NEUTERING
Unless you intend to breed your dog, it’s crucial you get them neutered. There are various reasons for this. It can improve your dog’s behaviour, and make them easier to train and handle. It also ensures there won’t be any unexpected accidents! Most importantly, though, neutering can save your pooch many health problems. This is especially the case for female dogs. Without neutering, they’re exposed to health issues such as womb cancer.
VACCINATION
From the moment your dog is old enough, it’s your responsibility to ensure you get them vaccinated against disease. Your vet will tell you which vaccinations are necessary for your pooch. After the initial round, you’ll need to remember boosters as and when they’re necessary. Your vet will send you useful letters to remind you what needs booking and when. Keeping on top of this is crucial. As your dog goes out and about in the world, they’re exposed to many possible hazards. Not protecting them is careless, and can lead to significant problems down the line!
KNOWLEDGE
The more knowledge you have of dog diseases, the better you’ll be able to spot problems in your dog. You don’t have to gain a vet qualification here; you just need to know basic warning signs. Take the time to research so that you’re prepared. Remember that your dog won’t be able to tell you when something’s wrong. Having some idea of possible diseases could save crucial time when making a diagnosis. A vet only has a short period with your dog. They’ll appreciate any suggestions you can offer about what you’ve noticed. It’s also important that you take the time to notice your dog’s behaviour. You’ll come to know how they greet you each morning or their regular eating habits. Understanding this behaviour is essential for seeing when something changes.
PROTECTION FROM PESTS
You’ll also need to protect your dog from parasites. Tics and fleas can be unpleasant for your dog and can cause serious health issues. Not to mention that a flea infestation can be extremely hard to get rid of in your home. Every three months or so, you should apply an all-in-one pest treatment to your pet. These treatments are pain-free for your dog. Just apply underneath their collar! Doing this will ensure you protect your dog from any pests they come across when outside.