How to keep dogs

To keep dogs, Owning a dog can be great fun and immensely rewarding. But given that dogs have complex needs, our expert advice will help you ensure your dog is healthy and happy. Most dogs love going for walks. But while all dogs need exercise, the levels of physical activity should go in line with their health, age, athleticism and individual needs. Dogs are highly social, Many dogs enjoy the company of other dogs, but they'll also form strong social bonds with humans, becoming very attached to particular people in their lives. Dogs can learn the names of their toys, For example, Rico, a border collie, learned the names of 200 toys and can reliably fetch the correct toy when asked to. If you're looking to introduce a dog into your family, why not offer a forever home to a dog in our care?

If you're keeping a dog outside, always take sensible safety precautions, and be alert to risks that may affect your dog outside. A suitable outdoor dog kennel is necessary - this should be large enough to allow separate sleeping and activity areas. It's very important that your dog can comfortably walk, run and wag their tail within the walls of their kennel, and can play, stand on their hind legs, stretch and lie down without touching another animal or kennel. Shelter and protection from rain, wind and sunlight are also crucial - dogs should always be able to move where they feel more comfortable, away from direct sunlight and into the shade. Temperature and ventilation are important as well - heating and/or automatic cooling and ventilation may also be necessary to keep temperatures above 10°C and below 26°C. Health and wellbeing needs should be met by providing constant access to clean drinking water and a well-balanced diet. Use a sturdy water bowl and check regularly for refills. We also advise that you check your dog daily for any signs of injury or illness. Social needs should also be considered, always make sure your dog is able to behave normally and is provided with the opportunity for daily exercise, play and interaction with animals and people.

Brushing your dog’s hair will help remove dirt and dead hair from your dog’s coat and skin. It will also help dispense the natural oils which makes your dog’s coat shiny and gives it that healthy look. Your dog should have their teeth brushed on a daily basis, but even 2 -3 times per week will make a huge difference to their dental health. Remember to use toothpaste that is designed for dogs as human toothpaste contains ingredients which can make your pet sick if they were to swallow it. Cleaning your pets ears will help reduce infection and should be completed at least once a month. Some warm water and a cotton pad will do the trick and they might even enjoy it. We recommend washing your dog’s face at least 3 times per week to help up keep good hygiene. We recommend washing your dog no more than once a week, it is essential that dogs aren’t bathed too frequently because it can cause skin irritations, especially if the skin isn’t dried well or harsh soaps are used.

Exercise Daily, just like us, studies show that regular exercise is good for our pets. You don’t have to go to extremes – even two walks per day can improve fitness. Schedule Annual Veterinary Visit, routine physical examinations can help detect small problems before they become large ones. See your veterinarian once per year for your dog’s wellness check. Play Every Day, throw a ball, hide treats or play tug of war, your dog will appreciate the stimulation and play time will strengthen your bond. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth, periodontal disease has the same negative health effects in dogs as in people and good dental health is an important part of a dog’s health regimen. Clip Toenails, toenails can become ingrown or impair your dog’s ability to walk, regular trimming once per month keeps toenails in tip-top shape. Check for Lumps and Bumps, give your dog a thorough once-over every month, carefully feel for any kind of lump or bump, early detection is a key to cancer prevention. Mind Benders, dogs need mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and help keep cognitive dysfunction syndrome at bay, food puzzles, interaction with other dogs and play time are a few ways to keep dogs mentally fit. Lots of Hugs, our canine pals look to us to provide love, comfort and support, letting them know how special they are can make their day – and yours too, hug your dog every day or, if your dog’s not a hugger, a belly rub works too. Avoid Exposure to Secondhand Smoke, even dogs suffer negative health effects from exposure.