Do you have a dog?
Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience, but raising one requires a lot more than regular playtime and feedings.
Here are a few tips and insights that veterinarians want all dog owners to know:
Bad breath is often a symptom of canine dental disease.
Bad breath or halitosis can mean your pet has dental disease, which needs to be addressed by your veterinarian.
You need to wash their food and water bowls daily.
Food and water bowls should be cleaned with hot water and soap daily. Toys and bedding should be washed at least monthly, and even more often depending on how quickly they get dirty.
For dogs, eating poop isn't always a sign of a medical problem.
Even though it's a stomach-turning habit, dogs usually eat poop because they like the taste, not because they have a medical condition or are lacking in certain vitamins.
There's no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic dog.
All dog breeds spread allergy-causing proteins through their saliva, urine, and skin.
These proteins are often carried on the fur, which means a large, fluffy dog that sheds constantly may trigger a strong reaction in an allergic person.
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.
Certain toys and games can be used to give your dog a healthy brain-building session. For example, playing hide-and-seek with your pup can help them exercise their memory.
Dogs of all ages crave structure and routine.
As much as you may want to spoil your newly adopted puppy or relax the house rules your longtime pet, vets recommend sticking to a regular schedule and clearly defining your expectations if you want a well-adjusted dog.Being consistent with training helps your dog understand what behavior you want and providing a solid routine will help your new pet know what to expect at home.
