Having a new pet in your home may be both nerve-wracking and exciting. You want the best for your tiniest or furriest family members as pet owners. Taking care of animals involves filling their water bowls, walking with them, and scooping the litter box.

Here are some suggestions to help you look after your pet and keep them happy, healthy, and active. This advice will make your new family member feel at ease, whether you’re a first-time pet owner or have had many animal companions.

Ways to Ensure Your Dog’s Safety and Well-Being

Provide a secure environment for your dog

Set up a separate section of your home with your dog’s bed, pillow, blanket, some toys, and a water bowl where your dog will feel safe and can nap during the day. This can assist your dog in self-soothing during stressful situations such as parties, crying babies, or thunderstorms.

If your dog was crate trained or when they first joined your family, having their crate open and available even after they no longer require it for training may provide them with a perfect space to enjoy.

Annual vet appointments

Deworming, vaccination schedules, and external tick control solutions should be discussed with your veterinarian. Keep a copy of your pet’s immunization records on hand at all times.

If you suspect your pet is unwell or injured, or if anything doesn’t seem right, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is the most knowledgeable person when it comes to keeping your dog healthy. Work with them as a team.

Have a “pet first aid” kit

Emergencies and accidents happen, and having all the necessary items to assist your dog is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. This is especially vital if you’re going trekking or camping with your dog and will be far from help. Every dog owner should have a prepared pet first aid kit.

Brush your dog’s teeth

Brushing your dog’s teeth is sometimes ignored, but it is critical to their overall health and the prevention of costly dental procedures in the future.

Make this a regular part of their routine, and be sure to use dog-specific toothpaste. Teeth brushing may be a joyful exercise for your pet every day with a bit of time and training! 

Keep your dog away from human food

Avocados, chocolate, and onions, among other human delicacies, are toxic to dogs and can have major health implications. Keep human food out of reach, and be especially wary of gum and candies, which sometimes contain xylitol, a sugar-like chemical that is poisonous to dogs.

Don’t give your dog human foods on purpose unless your veterinarian recommends it. Like canned pumpkin, plain chicken, or plain rice, some human foods may be purposely advised by your veterinarian for specific reasons such as diarrhea, digestive distress, hiding oral medication, or as highly stimulating training treats in limited quantities.

Take your dogs for a walk and play with them

Regular walks benefit your dog in various ways, including aiding digestion, reducing boredom, maintaining a healthy weight, and helping them burn off excess energy. You may notice that negative habits such as barking, chewing, or digging lessen due to providing them with a positive activity.

Dogs require love and affection to thrive. Make sure they spend as much time as possible indoors with you and your family. Give them your undivided attention, give them snacks, and play games with them.

Wash your dog’s belongings regularly

Dirt, germs, pollen, and other contaminants end up on your dog’s blankets, bedding, and soft toys. To keep these items fresh and clean for your dog, wash them at least once a week. If your dog has seasonal allergies, this might be very beneficial in lowering pollen exposure.

Provide them with a constant water supply

Dehydration in dogs is extremely harmful and can occur quickly. Ensure that your dog has constant access to clean, fresh water, both indoors and outdoors, throughout the day.

If they’re panting excessively, losing interest in eating, or have a dry nose, pay attention. If you detect these or any other strange behavior in your dog during a heatwave, contact your veterinarian.

Secure your garbage

Dogs are attracted to the delightful fragrance of rubbish and may consume hazardous, dangerous, or indigestible items, so keep your trash secure. Foreign objects or harmful chemicals in the stomach can result in expensive emergency surgeries.

Put away and lock up household toxins

Keep household chemicals like cleansers and pesticides out of your dog’s reach at all times. Many clever dogs can and will get into anything stored in the garage or beneath the sink. To seal cabinets with harmful chemicals, use baby-proof locks.