Dog Fact

Giving Your Dog What He/She Needs

There’s nothing like owning a dog. Dogs truly are man’s best friend and the more you’re around dogs the more obvious that becomes. But new dog owners often have questions. Many times the questions are about basic dog care and the supplies needed to provide the appropriate care.

Certain supplies should be purchased and ready for your dog even before you bring your dog home.

Consider getting a tag engraved with your name and phone. This can be attached to an adjustable dog collar and placed on the dog right away. Be sure that the collar is not too tight. You should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck. Check the collar often for proper fit.

A dog crate or kennel is a good idea.

Dogs – if living on their own would choose a secure place to sleep or to call home. That spot could be under an overhanging of some sort, in a hollow tree trunk, or even in a cave. The dog feels a sense of security in a small space so the dog crate can provide a domesticated dog that same feeling.

Some Points To Remember

• The kennel should fit the size of the dog.
• It shouldn’t be too big.
• The dog should be able to comfortably stretch out in either direction.
• This is his space, his home within your home.
• This is not a place to put your dog for punishment nor is it where you should feed him.

Nothing more than soft bedding and a few toys should be in the crate ... well except maybe a treat or two. The use of a crate is a great way to housebreak a dog. Crates can also be handy when traveling with your dog.

You will want and need to walk your dog so a leash is a necessary item to have on hand. Choose one that is lightweight and well-constructed. It should last a very long time.

Feeding Tips

When deciding on foods for your dog begin by considering his age. Puppy foods are formulated for puppies and adult foods are formulated for adults. There are even certain foods for seniors as well as high protein formulas. You could begin by asking your vet for recommendations or checking with someone at a pet shop.

Some dog owners choose to create their own dog food.

The important thing is ensuring that your dog gets the proper nutritional requirements. Always introduce a new food gradually, a good way to begin is by mixing it 3 parts old food to 1 part new food. After a couple of days you can switch to a half and half mixture.

Then move to a 3 parts new food to 1 part old food, and finally make the total switch. This helps to make the transition easier on your dog and should prevent nausea, diarrhea and/or upset stomach.

You will need appropriate food and water dishes. Start by considering how much food you will be offering your dog at each feeding. That will determine the size of bowl you need. If you have an over-sized bowl it is easy to provide more food than is necessary and that can result in an overweight dog.

If the dish is too small you will need to refill it more often – resulting in more work for you. Other things to consider include your dog’s ears and the shape of his nose. If your dog has long floppy ears you need to have a bowl that does not allow the ears to fall into his food. If he has a short nose you will want to find a shallow bowl.

You might want to consider the option of elevated dishes for your dog. Those dishes can aid in digestion and make eating a more pleasurable experience for your dog. Another option is an automatic-feeder. These bowls have a large reservoir to fill with food or water. As the food or water is consumed more will automatically drop to fill the bowl.

Toys are definitely important.

If you don’t supply your dog with toys he will be forced to find his own. That could include shoes, electrical wires, or anything else that smells good or is fun to chew on. Check out the many toys available and choose a few that appeal to you.

Most dogs enjoy stuffed animals. They like to shake them and curl up with them. Some dogs like squeaky toys and balls. Buy at least two or three toys so your dog can choose his favorite.

Although your dog will have a crate to call his home he will still appreciate having a bed. A dog bed can be placed in any room so your dog will have a cozy spot to lay while enjoying the socialization and comfort of being with you. Many dog owners opt to have two or three dog beds, with each placed in a strategic location.

Your supply list would not be complete without the addition of a First-Aid kit.

You can buy a ready-made kit or you can put one together yourself. Most of the contents are the same items you would have in your own first-aid kit.

Canine First Aid Kit: List Of Common Contents

• gauze bandages
• scissors
• bandaging tape
• a rectal thermometer
• tweezers
• antibiotic ointment
• cotton swabs
• cotton balls
• hydrogen peroxide
• a needleless syringe (to be used to administer liquid medication)
• syrup of ipecac (to induce vomiting)
• activated charcoal (to absorb poisons)

It’s also a good idea to keep cold packs and rubber gloves handy. You should have your veterinarian’s phone number posted in a convenient location as well as the number of an emergency animal hospital.

By preparing in advance for your dog the transition will be smoother for both of you. He will immediately have things that belong to him and you will not be required to make a last minute trip to get things together. Instead you can take your dog home and begin bonding with your new best friend.

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