Getting a dog entails a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. It is important to understand that a dog is not just an accessory you carry around but an investment and a liability you have to take care of. Many people fail to understand their responsibilities as pet owners which led to more cases of neglect and irresponsible ownership. In this article, we are going to talk about the common issues and responsibilities of dog ownership, including the proper tick and flea treatment for dogs, how to make a conducive living space, what to feed them, and how to raise them properly.
Ticks and Fleas
Perhaps the most common health issue when it comes to canines is having to deal with tick and flea infestation. These parasites are practically everywhere and they are most active during summer or in places with tropical climates. Dealing with ticks and fleas could be a pain because they can virtually come from the most unexpected areas and they can also be a recurring problem. The proper way to deal with these parasites is always to keep your living space clean and hygienic. If your current area is littered with grass, fallen leaves, or trash, consider cleaning your surroundings first before getting a pet and constantly maintaining its cleanliness for when you eventually become a dog owner. Always remember that prevention is better than cure and that the best way to deal with ticks and fleas is to have a clean place.
House Setup
Believe it or not, the way your house is set up can massively affect your dog’s growth and development. There are two main things to consider. First, you can make some areas more accessible by placing stools, blocks, or steps across the entire house. This is especially important for small dog breeds or for young puppies because they naturally want to wander around and explore other areas around their home. Also, this prevents them from having to jump down after getting up to heights as it could result in various injuries. The second thing to consider would be how the furniture is arranged. Extremely cramped and tight living spaces may not be healthy for dogs especially for mid to large-sized breeds. As dogs are extremely active creatures, they would naturally want to run and walk around. Having such a small area will lead your pet to become bored or uninterested which may hamper their growth and create issues for when they are introduced to other environments.
Food and diet
Before getting your first dog, be sure that you know what types of food are appropriate and safe for canine consumption. Not all foods humans enjoy are safe for dogs, so you have to be extremely careful what to feed them. You also have to consider different types of dog food and kibbles as there are numerous options in the market ranging from dog food for puppies, small breeds, active breeds, and even wet dog food. More importantly, you need to understand that you will have to spend money for your dog’s food and maintenance. Just like you would have to spend money on groceries, dogs require to be constantly fed and nourished especially when they are still young. That said, preparing a budget for your dog’s diet plan is important.
Raise them properly
Much like how young kids are taught to behave, have good habits, and have proper mannerisms, dogs require to be disciplined and taught as well. You would not want to have a dog that does not know where and when to defecate when to eat, and how to act properly around other people or other dogs. This entails having to train them and teach them tricks. This process, which is quite similar to how you deal with kids, is quite lengthy and tedious. Thus, you need to have patience and understanding as you typically have to repeat some things along the way.
