A GUIDE TO CARE & MANAGEMENT OF DOG
Anandita Das & Brijesh Nanda
Throughout their lives, dogs are great companions for the families that take care of them. The philosophers found only four simple fundamentals for responsible owners, will help build the solid foundations of a long lasting and unique relationship with your pet, which develops each and every day.
Certain Points to be considered while treating Dogs:-
RESPECT: – understanding and respecting your dog for the unique animal he or she is, and being aware that domesticating dogs has rendered mankind responsible for their well being. Respecting your dog includes catering for their basic requirements including safety, health and diet, all the while, ensuring their social integration.
KNOWLEDGE: – showing curiosity for the canine species, accepting that a dog is not a human, learning more about what makes your dog different from other dogs. Getting to know your dog means understanding what makes them unique and adapting to their needs.
EDUCATION: – integrate your dog into their living environment, teach them what they can and cannot do, and always behave in a coherent manner so that they understand their place in the family.
CARE: – spending time with them, providing them with the necessary care, playing with them taking them outside every day. Taking care of your dog means monitoring his or her health and wellbeing, throughout their life.
ARRIVAL IN THEIR NEW HOME
The first few experiences in a new home, will impact a puppy throughout their life. Puppies are fragile at this crucial time, they need reassurance and to feel protected. Puppies require a safe home in which they can explore with confidence. Whether he or she comes from a breeder, a shelter, a pet store or a friend, first impressions are vital, and will influence your mutual relationship in the long term. Plan to collect your puppy at a moment when you can spend time looking after them at the weekend or on your day off for example. Your puppy has left the security of his or her mother and litter mates, and is experiencing a multitude of new sights, sounds and smells. Try to control your own emotion and excitement during this time.
PROVIDING ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT:- The essential tools for your new puppy, should ideally include two bowls one for drinking water one for food, a collar or harness to take the little one outside, a leash, a bed, a brush because grooming is the key, toys because why not ! And, of your puppy’s first diet.
ORGANISING THEIR NEW HOME:- Giving your puppy a dedicated area will help them to quickly adapt to their new home, and allow them to feel safe and secure, ready to sleep and meal time in peace. A 3 month old puppy requires a lot of sleep. Try not to disturb your puppy during these precious moments of rest. Inside the house there are many dangers too for your puppy. A puppy will tend to chew on anything they find like electrical cables, also have a high risk of hurting themselves by getting trapped or falling so check your windows, balconies, and staircase. Keep them away from toxic fluids like cleaning products and any kind of acids, be very careful not to leaving medicine or certain foodstuffs which can be dangerous or toxic for your puppy, such as chocolates, onions and salts. Outside the house if in case your puppy is staying in the garden check the holes or gaps in the fence, from which puppy could escape. Also watch out for toxic plants and chemical fertilizers. Certain stinging insects each can be extremely dangerous for puppies.
ELEMENTARY RULES TO SET FROM THE START OF THE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PUPPY:- It’s important to meet your puppy’s needs, but also to fix the rules from the start. Don’t let your puppy do whatever they want under the pretext that they are young. Puppies are quickly able to differentiate between what allowed and what is not. Fix boundaries, by not allowing your puppy to climb on beds and by providing them with their own toys. Don’t allow puppies on your bed it’s difficult to change the habit later on. Don’t feed puppies on the dining table and don’t feed them leftovers, this type of behavior will encourage your puppy to beg and could cause weight gain and digestive problems.
HEALTH:- Some points to be considered to maintain good health.
CHOOSING TAILORED HEALTH NUTRITIONS:- Diet plays a key role in your dog’s health. A growing puppy requires a specific, tailored diet. It is vital to see the vet regularly after puppy’s arrival. The role of a puppy diet is to provide vital nutrients for the healthy growth. Rigorously selected and measured, nutrients contribute to optimal digestion and health. Visible effects of being healthy? Vitality, healthy appetite, well-formed stools, no digestive disorders, harmonious body development, and glossy coat.
PREPARING FOR YOUR PUPPY’S FIRST VISIT TO THE VET:- Before the appointment, be sure to take notes on your puppy’s diet and also record anything unusual that may have noticed. Transport your puppy in specially designed, pre prepared pet carrier so that they feel and safe and secure. Don’t make your uncomforting as it’s stressful for him or her too. While waiting leash your puppy to the pet carrier. If the puppy is scared and afraid while the examining table, he or she may become aggressive or urinate. Gently pet them and try to make them calm so they can relax.
Authors:
Anandita Das1 & Brijesh Nanda2
- Ist Year B.V.Sc. & A.H. Scholar, Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine, Jaipur
- Assistant Professor, Department of LPM, Apollo College of Veterinary Medicine, Jaipur
