10 Things Every Dog Parent Should Do For Their Dog

Being a dog parent is a lot of responsibility, but it has the ultimate reward of unconditional love.

Some of these responsibilities include:

Say ‘No’ To Bad Food

Dogs are like children, and they’ll put anything they can manage in their mouths. We’re not around to watch them 24/7, but we can say no to bad and toxic food. It’s our responsibility to educate ourselves on the health impacts of certain foods, such as chocolate, onions, cooked chicken bones, corn on the cob, and avocado.

Say ‘Enough’

If we leave our dogs to it, they’ll gobble up all the food in front of them. This can contribute to dog obesity, diabetes, and digestion issues. Our job as parents is to regulate the amount of food they eat, by setting meal times and strict portions.

Groom and bathe them occasionally

Dogs aren’t the most hygienic creatures when left to themselves. They do not keep themselves clean like rabbits or cats and require bathing and cleaning. If not, they may contract parasites and get infections. Their fur may also get matted which becomes uncomfortable and can cause skin infections. You should also cut their nails, or they can break or get snagged which is painful.

Clean thoroughly

Grooming and cleaning your dog are mandatory. So is cleaning thoroughly, and getting to hard-to-reach places that they can’t reach, such as their backsides or ears. These areas are prone to bacteria build-up and infection.

Socialization

You are responsible for teaching your dog the social skills required to interact with humans and other dogs. You will have to discourage bad behavior and encourage good ones. The earlier this happens the better off your dog will be.

Dress them

Dogs are born with fur to regulate their body temperature, but others are less tolerant to heat. This means you will have to provide adequate clothing to keep their body and paws warm.

Find a veterinarian to vaccinate and do check-ups

Find a regular veterinarian for your dog that will be able to vaccinate him/her against parasites and infections. Check-ups are also crucial to track your dog’s health and get advice on how to take care of him/her properly.

Treat when necessary

No matter how protective you are of your dog, they can still end up contracting diseases, pests, and parasites. Therefore, you should provide treatment when necessary. You should also have a safety kit and appropriate medication on hand.

Set boundaries

We want our dogs to have good lives, but we should ensure boundaries are set. Set literal boundaries using fences and leashes, and discourage bad behavior, such as chasing animals, or barking at passersby.

Take care of them in old age

Your dog is not finished just because your dog is no longer as active as he/she used to be. When your dog gets old, he/she will experience aches and pains, and their mind won’t be as sharp. Provide the care needed to keep your dog comfortable for the rest of their lives.