It’s Responsible Dog Ownership Month! This is a pretty important topic. It’s easy to overlook important aspects of Fido’s care, or perhaps just underestimate their importance. A Crown Point, IN vet lists a few aspects of responsible dog ownership below.
Training
Training isn’t just about petiquette. It’s important for safety reasons as well. You should be able to tell Fido to Sit, Stay, Come, or Lay Down, and have him obey.
Wellness Care
As the saying says, an ounce of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure. Keep up with Fido’s exams, vaccines, and parasite control.
Spay/Neutering
Getting your pooch fixed won’t just help prevent unwanted litters. It will also make Fido calmer, and reduce the odds of him trying to run off in search of love.
ID
If you haven’t had your canine pal microchipped yet, we recommend seeing to this right away. You’ll also need to keep your records current in the chipmaker’s registry. ID tags are important as well.
Safety
There’s almost no end to the ways dogs can get hurt. Taking some steps to dogproof your home and yard will help a lot. We also recommend keeping Fido leashed whenever he is off your property.
Comfort
Small touches can go a long way towards keeping your furry buddy comfortable. Make sure Fido has a good bed! When it’s hot or cold out, take steps to keep him from getting too hot or too cold.
Exercise
Fitness is important for both pets and people. Most dogs need at least a daily walk, though you’ll want to ask your vet for specific advice.
Socialization
This one mostly applies to puppies. Socialization is key to helping Fido grow up to be a polite, friendly dog. If your canine friend is still a baby, ask your vet for socialization tips.
Grooming
Dogs’ grooming needs depend on what type of fur they have. Fido’s lifestyle also factors in. A pup that loves rolling around in mud puddles will need more baths than a couch potato who hates getting his paws wet. Keep up with your pet’s beauty regimen! That includes nail trims and dental care.
Love
Love is the secret ingredient in any pet care routine. Pay lots of attention to Fido, and keep that tail going!
As your Crown Point, IN animal clinic, we’re here to help. Please contact us anytime!
