Tips on Keeping your dog safe and healthy
Part 1
By: Farna Vahdad
Having a dog is just as having another child or a member of family. We all care for the health and safety of the new friend of the family and want to keep this little friend out of harms way. Regardless of how much love is there for having dog as a companion, unfortunately there are still folks who don’t consider caring for their dogs.
Other than the responsibility, caring is certainly eliminates accidents and high animal hospital bills.
- Flea and other insects
Fleas and ticks are the most common bothersome for every dog specially in warmer climates. The major reasons these parasites get attracted to dogs are the odor, taste and humid. Most medication in the market are focusing to protect the pets skin coat by altering all these elements to repel and reject these insects.
To find the most effective yet a product without side effect, study the labels and select the products that are:
- Have pleasant odor
- Do not contain any synthetic chemicals
- It is not toxin
- Is good for all insect including mosquitoes
- Does not stain fur and hurt the skin
Consult with dogs veterinarian before purchasing any brand and ask for recommendation. The vet can also help with educating you on this subject and give you more information of how and when to apply the medication.
To treat the fleas effectively, other than the dog, the house and the yard needs monitoring and treatment. There are many natural product to use in the yard and in the house to prevent the fleas. To know more on fleas visit Here.
- Food and treats
When it comes to food, most dogs choose their own food. For my dog, I went through many different labels and selection before he decided which one he liked the most when he was a small puppy. Within my choices, I only selected organic brands and natural products. Dry food is healthier for dogs in moderation with a small portion of fresh food daily.
Depending on your dog’s type and breed, consult with the veterinarian to search for brands that offer nutritious supplement. As an example, some breed can not have berries, although there are natural and organic brands that offer berries in their recipe. The best practice is to study your dogs breed and completely familiar yourself with their food and consumption habits, allergies and nutrient facts. This also applies to choose a right treat.
My dog is Yorkshire Terrier and he loves banana and peeled orange. Other than his small organic treat, I make him happy and give him a little and moderate amount of fruits.
- Exercise
Dogs love to walk and run around. It is important to encourage their flow of energy and keep them active. Exercise maintains the health of The muscles and bone structure. Take them for exercise as many times as possible. Meanwhile when walking your dog practice safety and avoid:
Sharp objects
walk with care and lead your dog into a safe road. avoid broken glass and sharp objects. Dogs have sensitive paws and just like us they can get hurt with a hazardous object.
Chemical
Avoid chemicals and keep your eyes open for signs of pesticide areas. Change your route from mechanic shops and gas station as the road is filled with chemical hazards and engine oil spills.
Garbages
Do not let your dog near garbage cans and trash areas. These area are filled with harmful insects and bacteria.
And to be extra cautious, practice safety and courtesy:
Proper leash
Buy a proper leash suitable for the breed. I personally am not a big fan of neck leash and unfortunately have seen metal and harsh collars used on some breeds to make them look wilder. I recommend harnest so when you pull your dog to control, it wont hurt their sensitive neck. But again, the choice comes to the owner’s desire. Consult with the veterinarian and ask for recommendation on type of leash. Always, keep you dog on leash and never assume their obedience. Even if you dog is the most obedient, other’s may not be. Leash also can be a great tool to train and discipline their wild behavior.
Pick after your dog
Don’t leave it behind. It is not only your responsibility to pick after your dog, you must also dispose it safely. Stop the laziness. by leaving behind the dog’s feces, it attracts insects and flies and specially in near coast areas, rains directly leads it into ocean. I don’t believe you’d like to swim around other people’s dog feces.
Read more on safety practice in my previous article “Educate yourself before bringing a new pet”
It is a great responsibility to care for another life being. They just don’t grow by themselves and just like our own children need care and safety. When adopting and bringing this new member to your family, you take charge for their safety and health. to find a recommended veterinarian locally, post your need in www.bidsbypros.com as a project and connect to these professionals today.
