Inviting a furry friend into your life is a big decision. Dogs not only require daily physical care but also mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.

Whether you’ve had your canine for some time now or are getting a new puppy soon, it’s never too late to review the basics of properly caring for a dog.

Let’s review the categories of canine care so you can help your fur baby thrive!

Grooming: Brushing, Nail Trimming, and Cleaning

Dogs need support to properly maintain their skin and coat health, ear health, and oral health.

Bathe Your Dog, But Not Too Often

Just like humans, dogs need to bathe, but not as often as we do. Every dog is different—some dogs may be able to go a month without a bath; others can go two or three months. Dogs with medium or long hair may need more bathing than dogs with short coats. Use a mild shampoo (fragrance-free is best) and rinse thoroughly.

Brushing Is Important for a Healthy Coat

Brushing your dog is important to help them shed loose fur and remove dirt and debris from their coat. Long-haired breeds are more prone to fur matting and need more brushing and special tools than short-coated dogs, which do well with a rubber brush. Medium and long-haired breeds may also require occasional trimming or professional grooming, especially around the eyes, ears, and sanitary region.

Ear Cleaning to Prevent Irritation and Infections

It’s essential to keep your dog’s ears clean, but never insert anything into their ear canal. You can use a clean cloth or paper towel and a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner to gently wipe their ears. Floppy-eared dogs may need more maintenance to prevent ear infections and irritation.

Nail Trimming for Comfort

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed prevents overgrowth that can cause discomfort and even impair their ability to walk and run. Avoid cutting the nails too short or into the quick, as this can cause bleeding and discomfort for your dog. Some dogs do better with having their nails trimmed by a groomer or at the vet.

Yes, You Do Have to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Your dog’s teeth are subject to problems just like yours are. It’s important to brush their teeth using a veterinarian-recommended toothbrush and toothpaste a few times a week. This activity can take some work to get your dog used to. Many veterinarians also offer teeth cleaning under sedation for a more thorough job.

Feeding Your Dog a Balanced Diet

Feeding your dog a balanced diet is essential, but the best diet for your dog can vary. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and may require prescription food, while others do well with plain kibble or wet food. Other dog owners choose a raw food diet for their canines.

Ask your dog’s veterinarian which food and type of diet would be best for them and how much to feed them to maintain an optimal weight. It’s also crucial to always provide clean water to help your pup stay hydrated, especially in higher temperatures.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy With Annual Vet Check-Ups

Vet visits are a crucial part of keeping your dog healthy. If you have a puppy, they will need a series of vet visits to ensure they get all necessary vaccinations. However, once your dog is fully vaccinated, annual vet visits are generally fine. Dogs with special health concerns may need to see their doctor more often.

It’s important to monitor your dog for any issues like lethargy, lack of appetite, changes in behavior, or changes in urine or stool. If you have concerns about your dog’s health, don’t hesitate to follow up with your vet.

Training and Exercising Your Dog

Your dog needs daily mental and physical stimulation. Exercise, training, structured play, and walks are all important, depending on your dog’s age and activity level. You can adjust the intensity and duration of training and exercise based on your specific pup.

Types of play and training include obedience training, teaching tricks and problem-solving, and basic commands. It’s also vital to properly socialize your dog at a young age. Socialization and environmental work can help prevent fear and aggression in dogs, especially as they get older. 

Start the Training Process With Nova Pack

Need support with training your dog and helping them adjust to life in your household? Whether you have a young puppy or an older dog, it’s never too late to help them learn and thrive. Contact Nova Pack Dog Training today to schedule an in-home consultation with us!