Before you decide to get a dog, you need to understand that it’s a long-term commitment and that you will be completely responsible for your new furry friend. While most dogs are relatively easy to maintain, there are a lot of things you need to consider and be aware of in order to give your dog the comfort, health, and environment they deserve.

Here are a few things you need to be aware of to help you understand how to take care of your dog.

Provide Shelter

One of the essential things you need to do is be able to provide a healthy and clean environment for your dog. A warm place where your dog will feel cozy, and be filled with love, and also be somewhere with the right hygiene for the dog to have good health. You also need to make sure that your building allows pets or has a certain area that is warm, dry, clean, and appropriate for your dog to stay.

Exercise

A dog needs to perform exercise regularly to live a healthy life. You can do this by taking daily walks or jogs with your dog, taking them to the park to run around, or playing with a Frisbee, a ball, or even a stick. It’s also good to have your dog interact with other dogs and run around with them as long as they do not put themselves or other dogs in danger. For dogs who require more exercise, you’ll find other options such as heated dog pools where they can learn how to swim or even dog walkers who can take them out on a stroll when you’re too busy to do that yourself.

Take Care of the Dog’s Medical Needs

You’ll need to take your dog for regular medical check-ups and make sure that they’re in good health. The pet enthusiasts at honestpaws.com/cbd-oil-for-dogs/ explain how certain dog treats can even help boost your dog’s health. It can help relieve your dog’s pain or aid in bone and joint structure, making it an important aspect to consider when taking care of your dog’s medical health. If you feel your dog looks tired, sick, or is feeling unwell, always take them to a vet as soon as possible to help keep a trained eye on their health.

Dog ready to eat his food. Photo by Kacper Chrzanowski via unsplash

Food

When it comes to dog food, you need to check with your vet what the required dosage for your dog is in terms of quantity and frequency. Dogs have the tendency to become overweight, and that is essential to keep in mind. Also, because there are numerous varieties of dog food available in completely different price ranges, it’s best to do your research properly and make sure that the food you provide offers the nutrients that your dog needs daily. You can start by experimenting with wet and dry food options and dosages to see how your dog reacts and what is safest on its stomach. Dog owners also like to use Kibbes to learn more about these products and compare them properly. This insight can help you get good food for your dog relatively easily.

Care

A dog isn’t just a pet, but instantly becomes a member of the family and needs to be treated as such. A dog needs care and attention, even if it’s just letting your furry friend sit at your feet as you pet it now and then. However, the more you show your dog love and give it the attention it deserves, the more your dog will be happy, and loyal, and build a super-special bond with you.

Skills

There are so many skills that you can teach your dog to do that will also keep them busy and entertained. This includes harnessing their sense of smell and hunting skills through performing exercises at home. This could be hiding dog treats and toys in different places and having them find them by using their sense of smell or even teaching your furry friend how to tidy up and put their toys back in place. You can also teach your dog to understand how to behave around others and do tricks. While all this requires patience, it will also allow you to spend time with your dog, give them a lot of attention, and teach them to be hostile-free around others.

Dogs are amazing companions to have. They’re loyal, and fun and will smother you with affection when they feel you’re having a bad day. However, in order to give your dog the care they deserve, you need to ensure that they have a safe and clean place to sleep as well as eating healthy food. Combined with exercise and getting the care and skills they need to survive; then you’ve got the basic steps of taking care of your dog.