Dos and Don'ts of Proper Dog Care
Posted on: 27 December 2016
Dogs and humans have a long history together. In ancient times, domesticated dogs were often used as aides for game-hunting. Centuries down the line, domestic dogs and their masters have grown from hunting buddies to best friends.
You need to take proper care of your canine friend if he or she is to remain in good health. But what exactly does proper care entail? Because it's not possible to exhaust all aspects of 'proper dog care' in a single sitting, here are a few dos and don'ts.
Meal Times
A well-fed dog is a healthy dog while an over-fed dog is likely to end up with a bloated stomach. Bloating is a common occurrence that will leave your dog with an expanded stomach. The stomach expands when it's filled with fluids, gas, or food. Over-feeding is among the common factors that contribute to the mentioned problem. Thus, it's imperative to minimise the little snacks and treats that you dish out to the canine in between scheduled meal times.
Meat-Time
Dogs have a healthy appetite for meat and meat products. One question dog owners ask themselves often is whether the consumption of raw meat is safe for their dog(s). The answer to this question largely depends on the quality of raw meat fed to the canine. Raw meat can have a negative effect on your dog's health if the meat is bacteria-infested. Such an issue is commonly associated with severe health complications such as pancreatitis.
On the flip side, raw meat that's free of bacteria is advantageous in the sense that it will not have chemical additives commonly used as preservatives in dog food and processed meat products. Sulphite preservative is perhaps the most common chemical additive used in dog food and it's closely associated with thiamine deficiency. Thiamine deficiency refers to a shortage of vitamin B1 in the dog's metabolic system. A vitamin that's essential for the dog's carbohydrate metabolism.
Feeding your dog improperly could mean taking a trip to see an animal surgeon, so make sure you're talking with your vet before changing any food.
Reproduction Time
Female dogs can give birth twice in a year. Assuming yours has an average litter size of five puppies, you might have twelve extra 'mouths' to feed by such a time next year.
Spaying female dogs is perhaps the most common birth-control strategy for canines. This is a surgical procedure that facilitates removal of the dog's reproductive organs in whole or in part. Neutering is a relatively painless procedure thanks to anaesthesia.
Having the dog checked by a qualified animal doctor on a regular basis is also an important aspect of proper dog care.
Share