Dogs are very popular pets. Unfortunately, though, many dog owners have absolutely no idea how they are supposed to look after their pets. It is very common for naïve individuals to buy dogs, and then get rid of them because they are ‘uncontrollable.’ Usually, if a dog can’t be controlled, it is because it hasn’t been trained properly. Therefore, proper training is one of the most important things that you need to ensure if you want to raise a happy and healthy dog.
There is far more to dog ownership than training though. Here are six other things you can do to make sure that yours has a good life:
Invisible Fences
A lot of people’s dogs aren’t allowed into their backyards unsupervised, mainly to prevent them from escaping. However, this then limits the number of time that dogs are able to spend outside. Dogs are much happier when they are outdoors than when they are indoors. Naturally, though, dog owners can’t spend all of their time outdoors with their dogs.
One solution to this problem is to invest in an invisible fence. According to the team at Halo Collar, after you have set up your fence, your dog’s collar will shock them if they try to leave its boundaries. This will mean that you can let your dog outside, without having to worry about them scaling your fence, running off and chasing neighborhood cats, or getting lost.
Many such systems also come with GPS collars, so you can track your dog if they do get out and the electric shock doesn’t act as a deterrent to escape.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is essential, especially if you are on a budget and don’t have a lot of savings. Trips to the veterinarian can be very expensive. If you do not have pet insurance, then you might not be able to get your pet treated for injuries or illness.
The only option you have when you can’t afford treatment is to put your pet down, unfortunately. If you are planning on buying an insurance policy, take some time to do your research, and find a policy that suits you.
More Exercise
As mentioned previously, dogs prefer being outside. The reason for this is that when they are outside, they are free to run around and exercise. If you want your dog to have a happy life, then you need to give them a lot of exercises.
Take them out for two walks a day, and make sure that they are let off of the leash. If you live in a city and aren’t able to let them off of the leash, then consider investing in an extendable leash so that when you go to the park, they can still run around.
Regular Grooming
Make sure that you groom your dog regularly. A lot of dog owners forget to groom their dogs. If you don’t groom them, then their fur could become matted, which could lead to skin infections and other problems. If you do not have the time to groom your dog yourself every day, then you can hire a grooming service to do it for you. Mobile dog grooming services are becoming very popular and offer their services for a very reasonable price.
Finding Company
Dogs are not solitary creatures. In the wild, they live in packs. While it is definitely possible to give your dog a good life without getting them a friend, it still is something worth considering. One of the best reasons to get a second dog is if you spend a lot of time away (or if you aren’t able to devote all of your attention to your dog, all of the time).
Getting a second dog and then investing in an invisible fence will give your dog a playmate, and a place to play. Do your research and find a breed that’s compatible with your current dog’s breed, if you want to get a dog that’s a little different.
Feeding Them
Unfortunately, a lot of dog owners pick up dog food from the grocery store. More often than not, grocery store-sold dog food is very poor quality. It is not what your dog should be eating. If you want to ensure that your dog lives a long, healthy life, then you need to make sure that you buy them organic food that has been made with care. It is true that high-quality organic dog food is a little more expensive than grocery store food, but it is a worthwhile investment.
You need to do everything that you can to ensure that your dog lives a happy, healthy life. The better their life is, the longer they will live, and the fewer health problems they will experience.
