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more than once. Offering time to meet and play with the puppies is needed to create a bond with an animal, and find the perfect new pet for your entire family.

      It is important to find and purchase your dog from a reputable breeder that can be trusted. A dog that is not from a reputable breeder can have diseases, is more likely to be aggressive, and may not be a pure bred. Dogs who are not purebreds are still trainable and are just as good of pets as those which carry only one breed of dog in their genes.

      Caring for a Dog

      Prior to purchasing or adopting a dog it is important to understand the dedication it will take to successfully maintain a dog. Feeding is not the only job or cost associated with dog ownership.

      There are additional costs of shelter or beds for dogs. For an outdoor dog this is a doghouse, if temperatures are cold enough blankets and possibly heated beds may be necessary. Indoor dogs will also need a puppy pillow or blankets which they can sleep on.

      The greatest costs are possibly associated with medical care and regular visits to the veterinarian’s office. Shots and checkups can be pricey, and visits can increase in price if there are medical conditions where treatment is necessary. Some owner’s have even opted into getting insurance for their canine to help cover some of the medical costs which can accrue.

      Depending on the breed of dog it is also necessary to maintain their coat. For some dogs this means frequent trips to the groomer, at-home clippings, or others a mere occasional brushing. These should be done regularly to maintain the dog’s cleanliness and protect them from possible mites who can hide under matted fur. Also, it is important that outdoor dogs are clipped prior to hot summer months to avoid heat exhaustion.

      Picking up after a dog using the restroom is also considered in caring for a dog. This is necessary to avoid sicknesses and not to mention odors. Of all the ways to care for a dog, at least this one is free!

      You will need to invest in a collar and a leash or harness so that your dog can get the proper exercise he needs outside of the house or the backyard. This should be done as frequently as possible to help decrease the likelihood of obesity and lift your dog’s spirits.

      Finally, another unfortunate cost of having a pet is the cost of damage to any items of your home which may become damaged by chewing, urination, or fecal matter. There are certain aids to help in potty training your dog such as sprays and pads. To prevent an animal from chewing your valuable household items there are chew toys which you can play with together, or to entertain your dog while you are not around.

      These are only a few of the costs and requirements necessary to maintain a healthy and happy dog. It is not easy, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

      Proper Diet for a Dog

      When shopping for a quality dog foods look for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control) approval on the package. This ensures that the food in that package have met the guidelines for proper dog nutrition and health. You will also have to determine what kind of food is best to feed your dog, dry food, moist food, or semi-moist dog food.

      Dry dog food tends to be used more for large and medium dog breeds as the pieces are more appropriate for their mouths. Additionally dry food is easy to store and save, and is more economical to purchase. Moist dog food is commonly used for smaller breeds of dogs as it is easier to chew and swallow. Semi-moist food can be used for any breed; however recent studies have found that most semi-moist foods are high in sugar which is unnecessary for a dog.

      A quality food should be chosen to feed your dog whether they are large or small breeds. High quality foods tend to contain fewer preservatives and have more nutritional value for any canine lifestyle. You can get recommendations as to what brand to choose from a veterinarian, or through some online research. When you begin using a certain food use the recommended amount on the package for your dog, if you know your dog is hyperactive or he seems hungry after a long stretch of play it is fine to feed him a little more. However, an underactive dog who is feeding more often is more likely to become overweight so be sure you are feeding an appropriate amount for your dog’s energy levels. There is no set formula or amount a dog should be fed, rather base the amount given on the individual dog and his needs.

      Puppies as well as grown dogs need fresh, clean water on a daily basis. A good rule of thumb is to keep a large dog bowl full consistently. If your dog is going to live outside it would be helpful to have multiple bowls of cool water, kept away from direct sunlight. Dehydration in a canine can be dangerous to their health, so be sure you maintain their source of water consistently.

      Foods to Avoid Feeding your Dog

      It is important to understand that dog food is made to meet the nutritional needs and work with the dietary system of a dog. Feeding ‘people food’ to a dog can be dangerous to a dogs health, weight, and life and should be avoided at all costs.

      The following is just a few foods which you should never feed a dog:

      Chocolate and caffeine - both be harmful to a dog’s heart, causing diarrhea and vomiting.

      Dairy and milk - cause diarrhea in canines.

      Raw meat - contains Salmonella and E.coli which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

      Raw eggs - contain avidin which can lead to coat and skin issues, not to mention the possibility of Salmonella poisoning.

      Fat - fat from meat scraps have been linked to pancreatitis

      Fish - can cause vitamin deficiencies, has been found to cause weakness in dogs, seizures, and possibly death

      These foods are commonly found in American kitchens and should be kept away from consumption of dogs. Additionally keep alcohols, drugs, cleaning supplies, and automobile fluids away from areas where they are accessible by your dog. These items can cause serious internal damage or death very quickly to an animal no matter the dosage taken in. The health and safety of your dog depends on your ability to protect them from harmful items such as these.

      Overweight Dogs

      It is important to understand that a dog, like humans, can become overweight. An overweight dog is more likely to have decreased energy, arthritis, heart disease and high blood pressure, digestive problems, and there is an increased risk of certain cancers as well.

      There are certain signs to watch for that your dog could be overweight:

      Lack of energy - Your dog spends an excessive amount of time sleeping, and doesn’t have much of a desire to run and play. A dog who prefers to lay while you are encouraging play is also lacking energy.

      Breathing troubles - A dog who is overweight will experience shortness of breath much quicker and with even less activity than normal. Even walking short distances within the home can tire an overweight dog out.

      Constant hunger - A dog who is demonstrating hunger even after they just ate could be heading to obesity. If you are feeding your dog much more than he is running or playing is a sign.

      The signs of obesity will begin subtly and progress. Keeping up with veterinarian appointments is necessary to help ensure that your dog does become overweight.

      Fixing Obesity

      If your dog is already overweight there are many ways you can help him lose in a healthy and safe way, to ensure him a longer and happier life.

      Pay a visit to your veterinarian - Your veterinarian can identify just how serious the problem is and asses any medical issues which can be leading to your dog’s excess weight. The vet can also let you know some great ways to help manage and begin to control your pet’s extra weight.

      Take your dog for a walk - Walking with your dog is a good way for both of you to get some daily exercise in. Start off with a few short blocks and then increase if your dog responds well.

      Adjust your dog’s meals - Consider measuring the amount of food you give your dog at each meal, and don’t exceed that

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