The Ultimate Dog Care Guide: How To Keep Your Furry Friend Happy & Healthy

Getting a puppy is such an exciting experience, but you have to remember that it’s going to take some time and research to get to know your dog, and understand their needs. Dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds need considerable care and attention if you want them to stand any chance of feeling comfortable and content. However, many new dog owners fail to recognise the long list of responsibilities cons with being a dog owner, as you need to follow multiple steps if you want them to stay happy and healthy for years to come.

Fortunately, there are a few key areas in which you can focus your efforts to ensure you can provide your dog with the best quality of life, and there's no time like the present to learn more so that you can get to grips with the ins and outs of dog ownership. This guide is filled to the brim with handy information that you can utilize to look after your pup, so if you’re interested in finding out more, then read on to discover more!

Identify The Right Breed

It’s absolutely vital that you can carry out considerable research into the many different available breeds of dog if you want to have the best possible experience as a dog owner. It has to be said that each individual breed has its own unique personality traits and care needs, so it's always going to be beneficial for you to seek out a suitable match that lines up with your lifestyle, budget and expectations. If you currently have to work full time and will subsequently need to leave your pup alone at home for longer time frames, then it’s important that you can take the opportunity to find a breed like a basset hound that's well known for being lazy enough to enjoy relaxing independently without separation anxiety. A large number of dog breeds really dislike spending time by themselves, and will do all manner of naughty things as soon as you step out the door as a result. Unless you want to come home and find your furniture destroyed, or toilet accidents on the carpet, then you need to find a suitable breed that is going to be able to hack your absence.

If you would like a family dog that can bond well with your children, then you need to find a breed that is well known for being patient and gentle. One of the best breeds for families is a Labrador retriever, as they are some of the most docile and loving dogs around. They can make a brilliant companion for young children due to their general lack of aggressive traits, so be sure to check out the right Labrador web page to find out more. Many breeds have a bad rap without really deserving it, such as Staffordshire bull terriers. In fact, bull terriers can also be excellent family dogs due to their loyal and loving nature. Don’t forget to factor in allergies if any of your family get stuffy noses around dogs, as in this case it's going to be best to seek out a short hair breed that doesn't shed much of its fur.

Additionally, when taking your dog for walks or outdoor adventures, look for a strong, durable dog leash to ensure their safety and provide you with better control over your furry friend. Investing in a heavy-duty dog leash can give you peace of mind knowing that your pup is secure during your outings together.  

Buy Top Quality Food To Promote Great Health

Letting your pup eat low quality grocery store brand canned dog food is the worst decision that you can make for the sake of their long term health. Though such food might be cheap and easy, it has to be said that it can do serious damage to your dogs physical and mental health, while being particularly detrimental for their quality of life. There are lots of excellent dog food brands that provide your dog with all of the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients that they need to thrive, such as bone broth for dogs.  Try to find a brand that is known for its quality ingredients. Lots of options are available, from dry kibble to canned wet food or even fridge fresh packets. Of course each of these has its own price tag, with the fridge fresh foods being the most expensive due to their top quality ingredients. You’ll be able to see exactly how much your dog likes their food by their behavior and their toilet habits, so be sure to monitor them closely for a few days whenever you switch their food or start them on a new brand.

It’s worth noting that it’s common to find that no store bought options match your standards or meet your expectations. If this is the case, then homemade dog food is likely the best option for you to explore. There are countless dog food recipes online that you can make the most of to create some delicious, healthy and natural meals for your dog, and when you take the time to explore homemade recipes you can monitor every ingredient that goes into their bowl. Always research thoroughly when making homemade food to ensure you can provide your dog with the nutrients they need. 

Prioritize Great Hygiene & Regular Grooming

Last but by no means least, be sure to prioritize great hygiene and indulge in regular grooming to keep your dog happy and healthy. Some people think that dogs don't need to take a bath very often, but in fact this could not be further from the truth. Most dog breeds actually require a full groom at least once every 2-3 months, but certain types need more frequent bathing to stay healthy and happy due to skin needs, sensitivities and more. Get clued up on your dog's breed-specific grooming needs so that you can keep them comfortable. Invest in a dog shampoo that's tailor made to thoroughly wash their fur while cleansing their skin and removing bacteria. Your dog's grooming routine should not stop at bathing, as most breeds also require things like claw cutting, fur trimming around their eyes and mouth, and even tooth brushing to remove plaque build up.

Keeping your furry friend happy and healthy has never been so easy when you can utilize these effective ideas.