An introduction to caring for your Dog

Author: Paul Duxbury

A dog will require love, care, attention and a commitment to look after them during their life which could be 10-15 years or hopefully longer. The commitment required includes not only routine feeding, care and time spent with your dog but also the provision of veterinary treatment if the dog becomes ill. The following basic steps will get you off to a good start and ensure that your dog is a happy, healthy pooch!

Brushing your Dog's teeth

First off you need to pick an appropriate pet toothbrush. Save yourself time by not buying a child's toothbrush which is usually too hard for dogs. The ideal dog toothbrush will have a long handle, an angled head to better fit their mouth and extra soft bristles. Another option to consider is the finger toothbrush that fits over the tip of your finger.

Having found the toothbrush that suits you and your dog you next need to select an appropriate toothpaste. The best dog toothpastes contain enzymes that help control plaque. Try to avoid toothpastes with baking soda, detergents, or salt sometimes found in human pastes. Fluoride may be incorporated to help control bacteria. Rather than placing the paste on top of the brush try to place it between the bristles. This allows the paste to spend the most time next to the teeth.

So having purchased your toothbrush and your toothpaste you are now probably thinking ""so exactly how do I do this!"" Well don't worry it's not as frightening or as difficult as you might be thinking! All we need to do is to get the brush with paste into your dog's mouth and all the teeth brushed. Easier said than done you are probably thinking as you anticipate calling your friendly pooch over to have his teeth cleaned! Well actually yes it is easier than you think if you adopt the right approach!

Most dogs accept brushing if they are approached in a gentle manner. If you can start when they are young, it's quite easy, but even older pets will accept the process. Start slowly, you can use a washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe the teeth, front and back in the same manner you will eventually be using the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for about two weeks and your dog should be familiar with the approach. Then take the pet toothbrush, soak it in warm water and start brushing daily for several days. When your dog accepts this brushing, add the pet toothpaste.

Dangerous Toys

Most dogs love to play and hours of enjoyment can be had by all concerned if that play is done in a sensible way and avoids what I will term ""Dangerous Toys. ""Sticks and bones can splinter and cause choking or vomiting or they can perforate the mouth, throat or intestine. Hard bones can easily damage teeth. Instead, use hard, non-splintering chew toys to play fetch or to allow your pet to gnaw. A chewing pet can shred soft, latex toys. If the toy includes a squeaking mechanism, the squeaker can be easily swallowed or cause choking. Towels, socks, underwear and other similar clothing or materials can be swallowed by a pet, causing intestinal obstruction. Some dogs like to chew on or eat rocks-bad idea! Rocks can cause broken teeth and serious intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Be careful if you offer your pet rawhides, as these can also cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed, and some are preserved with arsenic, which is toxic to pets. Be aware of sharp objects that can cut skin, feet, eyes or ears.

Exercising Your Dog

Now every dog needs to be exercised and that again can be something that brings a great deal of enjoyment to both you and your little (or not so little!) friend. There are a few basic considerations when exercising your Dog. Whenever you are near a road, or wherever your dog is likely to cause a nuisance if he runs free, you should keep him on a lead. Both you and your dog will be much happier if he's well trained. Remember that not everyone is as fond of dogs as you are and you must respect their feelings. Keep your dog under control at all times. Part of your walk should take your dog over hard ground, as this will help to keep his nails short.

Don't make the mistake of over-exercising your dog if he's still growing, as his bones aren't yet strong enough to cope with the extra stress this puts on him. Little and often is the rule until your dog grows to full strength. Remember that large breeds mature later than small breeds. Ask the breeder or your vet for their advice.

Regular and varied walks are not just essential to keep your dog fit. They also give him the chance to explore and to experience new stimuli, including meeting other dogs. This will help him develop into a contented and well-adjusted dog, and avoid developing problem behavior. Make sure you supervise your dog's exercise. Do not allow him to stray and never put him outside for the day to fend for him while you're gone.

Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy

Once you've brought home your new pet, you'll want to have a long and happy life together. Here are some ways to make that happen. Eating well and getting enough exercise are as important for dogs as they are for you and I. Unfortunately, too often dogs pick up the same bad habits, and health problems, as people do. Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity related arthritis are problems that are often preventable with a good diet and regular exercise. A high quality dry dog food is a good centerpiece for a healthy diet. If your dog is active enough to burn the calories, most dogs love canned food. It can be mixed with dry food or put out separately as a treat. Some people like to leave food out all the time so that their pets can nibble when hungry while others prefer to have regular feeding times. Either way, make sure that dog always has access to clean drinking water.

If you look after him you will have a great life together!

About the author: Paul Duxbury owns http://www.my-dog.co.uk a leading sources of free information and advice for all dog owners as well as http://www.dog-lover.co.uk