How To Care For Dogs
VideoJug presents a guide describing how to care for dogs with the advice of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London. This film covers all the basics of dog care, to help you look after them properly.
Step 1: Housing and Bedding
Dogs need their own bed and blanket in a quiet corner of a room where they are able to see what's going on. It's best to put your dog's bed in a draught-free corner of the kitchen as it should be warm and have a washable floor. Your dog will need a food and water bowl and bedding which should be warm, dry and comfortable. It will need a well-fenced garden where it can exercise and play.
Step 2: Handling
Lift your dog by standing sideways to it and taking the weight of the chest and hindquarters in both arms. Stroke it every day, running your hands over it's body, legs and head, so that it will be comfortable when examined by a vet.
Step 3: Diet
Dogs can get the right nutrients from pre-prepared food and biscuits available in pet shops. Many dogs won't eat all they need in one feed, so it is best to feed your dog 2 small meals a day, depending on its size. Feed the smallest quantity recommended for your size of dog and only increase this if it starts to look thin. Give your dog the same type of food every time to stop it becoming fussy, and take the bowl away after 15 minutes. Older dogs and dogs that have been neutered will need less food. Give your dog sterilized marrow bones rather than cooked bones which can splinter. It will also need fresh, clean water every day.
Step 4: Exercise and Play
Dogs shouldn't be left on their own for more than 4 hours a day as they will become lonely and destructive. Dogs love to play but shouldn't be forced if they're trying to sleep. Buy safe, chewy toys, and change them regularly so they remain interesting. Walk your dog every day. The amount of exercise and space it needs will vary depending on its age and breed. It will show signs of tiredness when it has had a long enough walk. Your dog should be taken off the lead in safe, traffic-free areas, as long as it has been trained to come back. See VideoJug's 'How to train your dog to come when called' to find out how.
Cleaning
It is important to clean up after your dog when you take it for a walk. Use gloves or a pooper scooper as dog faeces can contain a worm which causes health problems. To stop your dog from using the house as a toilet, give it plenty of praise when it uses the garden. Bedding should be aired every day and washed or replaced every week.
Step 5: Grooming
Dogs should be brushed every day to keep their coats in good condition. Different breeds will need different amounts of washing and grooming, so ask a vet or groomer about how often and what sort of brush you should use. Remember to brush the tummy and between the hind legs. Grooming is a good way to bond with your dog while you can check its skin and coat for health problems.
Step 6: Health
A healthy dog should be alert and bright-eyed, with no signs of discharge around the eyes, mouth or nostrils. The skin should be clean, with no lumps, bumps or inflammation. Your dog should have a clean, glossy coat and no signs of diarrhoea around it's tail. It should be able to walk without limping and have clean teeth and gums. Keep its teeth clean with chews, strong toys, and canine toothpaste and brushes available from your vet. Dogs need vaccinations throughout their lives which can be expensive but are vital to your pet's wellbeing. They need regular treatment for fleas and worms. In the UK, it is a legal requirement for a dog to wear a collar and tag, which should be loose enough to fit 2 fingers under. Vets also recommend micro chipping to help identify your pet if it goes missing.
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