What are the Daily routine of a responsible pet owner’s for a happy & healthy dog ?

What are the Daily routine of a responsible pet owner’s for a happy & healthy dog ?

Pets, whether covered in fur, feathers, or scales, are an important part of our lives. Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and many people don’t realize that everyday activities involved in caring for pets can result in the spread of germs from pets to people.  Owning a pet brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment, accompanied by the important responsibility of providing optimal care. Pet owners understand the significance of prioritise the well-being and happiness of their beloved companions.
As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your furry friend is well-cared for and receives all the necessary attention and care they need. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment and requires much more than just providing them with food and shelter. Nothing makes a pet parent happier than to see his pet happy and healthy. The emotional bond between a pet and its owner transforms the animal into a full-fledged member of the family.But as a pet parent, it is important to be aware of your pet’s basic health needs.

As a pet parent you want to do everything you can to care for your pet; this involves regular, everyday activities to ensure they stay happy and healthy. Keeping a dog in the family is a joy and a responsibility.Every day carries a roster of must-do activities, many of which cute fluffy friend will remind you about soon enough if you neglect them.

Practice these important  responsible pet care tips year after year for a lifetime of happy and healthy cats and dogs-

1. Feeding

There is little danger of forgetting this responsibility, and your dog will remind you. Constantly.

But just picking Fido’s favorite isn’t enough. There’s more to consider about dog food than how to make your dog happy by dishing up their favorite.

• Feed once or twice a day– Your dog is allowed treats throughout the day, but make sure they have one or two meals at regular times every day. Stick to those meal times, your dog will remember.For their own peace of mind, this regularity can do them a power of good.
• Look for brands that offer ‘complete’ food– These will contain the full nutrient mix your dog needs, often alongside ingredients to care for their teeth or reduce flatulence. Take the time to choose just the right dog food for your curly friend.
• Don’t overfeed– This can result in either unmanageably high energy levels. Then Fido will need to burn off all that extra protein and calories, or he will gain unhealthy weight.Be careful to manage your dog’s quantity of exercise against the amount of food and follow the dog weight/food serving chart on the dog food packaging.
• Eating between meals– Treats or the occasional shares in your diet are fine in moderation, but be careful not to treat too freely.
  Dogs have an endless appetite, but the calories will pile on and obesity can cause lifelong health issues in dogs.
• Don’t forget the water!– Alongside Fido’s food bowl, there should always be fresh water.
  Dogs know themselves when they need to hydrate, but make sure this bowl never runs empty (because some breeds will empty a water bowl in seconds when they’re thirsty enough).

2. Walkies

Walks are essential to a dog’s life, for a variety of reasons.

They are exercise to keep your dog healthy, they are your dog’s connection to a broader social world, and they are essential bonding time for the two of you.

• Walk your dog at least once and most likely twice per day.
• Regular walks increase your dog’s cardiovascular fitness and reduce their blood pressure, as well as strengthening muscles and bones.
• When taking a walk, your dog has the chance to socialize with other dogs (see below) either through scent trails or in person. This connects them to a broader social world and reduces their sense of isolation.
• This is also your special time together like a dog and owner, so take your time and walk your dog with love.
• Take enough time to be sure that your dog has done all the toilet breaks during the walk.

3. Socializing

Dogs are social animals and it is hard-wired into their psychology to want to be part of a large, loving, and supportive pack.

Therefore it’s essential to extend the size of their family of friends, loved ones, and trusted playmates as much and as often as you can.

• Regular walks are an essential part of exposing your dog to a wider social circle.
• Stay calmwhen meeting new dogs and people, even if Fido is agitated. Your dog will follow your lead, so make it clear that you’re comfortable with anyone new to Fido.
• Try socializing in friendly pet shops. They are quiet, controlled spaces, without the noise and distractions of parks or city streets.
• Reward all successful social interactions with praise and treats.

4. Exercise

It’s a dog’s life, they say. But don’t dog’s lives look nice and easy? No job, no taxes, waited on hand and foot by humans. It sounds like a life of luxury.

But actually dogs like a bit of activity and purpose in their lives. Without it, they get bored. And boredom can adversely affect both their mood and behavior.

In response, give them some purposeful exercise, a proper workout to make them feel challenged.

• Go the extra mile on your next walk– Don’t hang around to smell the lampposts but drive on out into the wild and uncharted parts of your neighborhood.
  If you live near the countryside, take full advantage of the terrain and make a proper hike of it. Your dog will let you know when he’s tiring, so plan a route that allows the way back to be quicker than the way out.
• Play fetch– It’s a cliché because it’s true. Dogs love retrieving. Use a slingshot with a tennis ball, or a frisbee, both to save your arm and also add to the challenge to your dog.The further it has to chase an object, the more a mentally and physically fit dog will love this game.
• Keep Fido guessing– Try feint throws and curve balls to turn a game of catch into a mental exercise of predicting where the throw will go, as well as a physical one.
• Tug of War –If you have the strength to, a simple game of pulling on a pull toy will be an excellent exercise for your dog’s teeth, jaw and neck muscles.
• If you’re stuck indoors– Try creating an obstacle course from household objects or make a game of hide and seek by concealing some of Fido’s toys and treats.

5. Hygiene

As much as your pup might have no interest in keeping clean (often the opposite!), bathing them and cleaning their teeth are essential elements of how to keep your dog healthy.

A clean dog is a healthy dog, as they say!

• Groom your dog regularly– Brush their coat to avoid dreadlocks and tangles (if they have a long coat) and to keep them clean, tidy, and free of any little bugs that like to hide in their fur.
• Bathe your dog– Maybe not daily, of course, but it is important to bathe them.
  This should be a relaxing, pleasant experience for you both. Get the water to body temperature and apply it gently, just as you would groom your dog – neither of you wants to be splashed.
  When finished, let them shake themselves dry. Be sure to get well out of the way, unless you want a soaking too!
• Brush their teeth– Dry food keeps a lot of teeth issues at bay, but active teeth cleaning is needed to prevent tooth decay entirely.
  Poor dental health can lead to heart and liver issues in the long term, so this is far from a cosmetic issue.
• Nail trimming– Long nails can also cause issues for your dog, so keep an eye on them and get your dog used to allow you to trim them.

6. Mental Stimulation and Training

Even long after the puppy years are over, your old dog is still capable of learning new tricks (and developing bad habits that might need training out).

Keeping up training activities can help keep your dog mentally active and gives them a task to engage with to earn the treats and praise they love positively.

• Keep challenging them –up the ante all the time.
• Try using puzzle toys, which dispense treats once a mental puzzle has been solved, to mentally occupy your dog when you’re busy.
• Make it fun!This isn’t punishment, and it’s for your dog as much as you. Make sure you both enjoy the learning process.
• Mental exercise can be as exhausting for dogs as physical.This is great for reducing misbehavior but also means you should go easy on them ad keep training sessions short.

Training

Training is a crucial element in raising a happy and healthy dog. Your dog loves you and would do anything to make you happy – because you are their world. They try their best to do so, but sometimes,  they have a hard time understanding what you need from them. The best way to avoid this disconnect is through behavioral training.

Now you and your dog speak different languages. The best way to communicate with your dog is through food – because they speak “food” and they understand that if they perform the desired behavior well, then they get rewarded with treats. This is how dogs differentiate between “good” and “bad” behaviors. It sounds so easy yet it gets a little tricky because you want to choose the best treat based on the training.

House Training

If you have a puppy in the house, then you’ll want to make sure there’s someone who can take him/her out every two hours. No matter how much you try to train a puppy and how much they want to make you happy, their bladder is just too small to hold it in for longer. If you have a busy work schedule, hire a pet sitter, or ask your neighbor to take the pup out every couple hours.If your dog is an adult, they need to be taken out at least 3-4 times a day. The good thing about adult dogs is that you can train them to be housebroken – meaning you can let them roam freely without having to worry about them getting into trouble or destroying your belongings. The trick is to use long-lasting chews that will keep them occupied for a long time and keep them away from your belongings.

Basic and Advanced Commands

It’s great for you to teach your dog basic commands like sit, lay down, and come  – these will be extremely beneficial when you’re outside in a crowded area with a lot of stimuli. Repetitions are the key to the success of these training sessions so you can really engrain the behavior. And, to do so, you will need bite-sized training treats.

Now, if you want something extremely healthy for your pets, you can even give them fruits/veggies treats that are made from single-ingredients which are then freeze-dried to keep the nutrients intact. This way, your dog is not only getting delicious treats but also treats that benefit his health.

Socialization: Dogs are pack animals who love to be part of the crowd. This is the environment where they thrive. If you have a puppy at home, once the veterinarian clears your pup, start taking him/her to dog parks and organizing play dates with other dogs. Socialization from an early age helps keep their natural pack instincts alive.

Sometimes, if you adopted a young adult/adult dog from a shelter who has had a rough past, they may have behavioral issues such as social anxiety. It’s important that you work with them patiently and help them move past this hurdle – because they want to be playing with other dogs, it’s just that their past experiences have molded them into anti-social selves.

Veterinary Care: Vaccination is a crucial part of your dog’s overall health and well-being of your little one. They protect your best friend and build their immunity against diseases. When they are puppies, they need frequent vaccinations starting as early as 6 weeks to keep them protected against diseases.

Here is a list of vaccinations your puppy will need: Once your puppy reaches adulthood, your veterinarian will then administer adult vaccination aka adult boosters that are a variation of the puppy vaccines. Adult vaccines are not as frequent as puppy vaccines and follow a different schedule. These include:

• DHPP – 1-3 years
• Leptospirosis – 1 year
• Bordetella – 6 months
• Rabies – 3 years
• Lyme – 1 Year
• Canine Influenza – 1 Year

Your dog will also be given heartworm, flea & tick preventative – starting at around 8 weeks of age – that can either be given at home.

In addition to these vaccinations and medications, your little one needs regular veterinary care to ensure that they are healthy – because some symptoms and/or diseases are invisible to the naked eye. It’s also recommended to get your dog professionally groomed and cleaned once in a while to really ensure good health and well-being.

*This is a general schedule of vaccinations, and each dog will have different needs. All in all, talk to your vet about what’s best for your dog and listen to their professional advice to keep your pup healthy and happy.

Grooming

Dental: Did you know dental diseases are one of the most common diseases in dogs? After eating, when leftover food particles come in contact with saliva, it starts building plaque that, if left untreated, turns into tartar.

Plaque and tartar can form in 24 hours – even after brushing. And, cleaning your dog’s teeth can be time-consuming and difficult to do every day. This is where dental chews come in to save the day. Dental chews maintain your dog’s dental hygiene in between brushing and contain special enzymes that break down plaque buildup and prevent the formation of tartar and other dental diseases.

Having said this, the most effective way to maintain your dog’s dental hygiene is to combine dental treats with a weekly brushing routine and professional cleaning.

Eyes: Dog’s eyes are a part of the grooming routine that often gets overlooked, but it’s important to have regular eye checks and maintenance. Get some eye wipes and gently wipe around their eyes to get rid of tear stains a few times a week. It’s also a good idea to look for any signs of redness, swelling, or unusual discharge to catch any infections. If you do notice any of these conditions, check in with your vet to treat them early.

Brushing & De-Matting of Fur: Brushing varies depending on your dog’s hair length. Long-haired and medium-hair dogs need daily brushing, and short-haired dogs can do away with being brushed once or twice a week to get all the mats and knots out.

When you avoid regular brushing, the mats and knots get tangled up, and can sometimes lead to painful skin irritations and infection. So it’s best to consult your vet and follow their recommended grooming routine. Sometimes, dogs are completely against being brushed by their parents. If this is the case, take them to a professional groomer. It helps your dog look and feel good.

Nails: This part of the dog routine is normally the least favorite of dogs and dog parents. But it is something that needs to be done because long nails can split and affect your dog’s ability to walk.

Nail trimming is tricky because you have to ensure that you cut it to the “right” length – you don’t want to leave it too long or cut too short – this can be especially painful. The general rule of them is to make sure that your dog’s nails don’t come in contact with the floor when they’re standing. If you can hear their nails clicking when they walk, it’s too long.

But be conservative. Start by cutting little by little because there’s a nerve that runs through the nail called the “quick” If you “cut to the quick” then you can severely distress your dog. The quick is sometimes hard to spot – especially if your dog has dark-colored nails.

If your dog has dark-colored nails, look at the cross-section of the nail after each cut. If you see a black spot at the center that looks like a narrow bone, stop cutting – you’ve neared the quick. If your dog has light-colored nails, look at the center of the nail – if you see a pink spot, stop cutting any further.

Ear: Caring for your dog’s ears is important and also can be challenging. The best way to clean their ear is to get a clean cotton ball, pour a few drops of some ear cleaning solution, and rub gently around their ears. You want to avoid pushing their cotton ball too far into their ear, as this can rupture their eardrum.

If it’s your first time cleaning your dog’s ears at home, you can always have your vet demonstrate proper ear cleaning techniques. Or, if you have a dog that won’t let you clean their ears, have your vet clean their ears during regular checkups.

Paw: Your dog’s paws do more than allow them to walk on rough surfaces, they also protect your pooch’s bones and joints from shock. Here are a few tips to ensure their paws stay in top shape.

• Moisturize their paws with natural paw balms or pomade to prevent dryness and cracking. Make sure you’re getting each toe and also in between the pads.
• Check for any cuts, wounds, splinters, or anything that could be stuck in their paws as soon as you get back from a walk. If you notice a small cut, treat it with an antibacterial wash and wrap the paw in a bandage. If you notice a deep cut, take your dog to the vet.
• Avoid walking in extreme weather conditions – in summers, take them out during early mornings/evening when it’s a bit cooled down.

If your dog stops and smells the roses and refuses to keep moving, don’t drag them and pull on their leash. Either patiently wait for them or say a command.

DOGS AND ROUTINE

 Why Is A Regular Routine Important?

Dogs are creatures of habit, and the way they feel about the world around them depends on how happy they are in their environment. Therefore it is important to establish an orderly routine to give your dog structure and confidence. Dogs thrive on routines and a routine will let your dog to know what to expect each day and when to expect it.

Sleep Routine

Try to ensure that your dog gets up at around the same time each day and is put down to sleep at around the same time, Your dog will soon learn to anticipate your sleep schedule and will get into a routine of sleeping when you sleep and waking up when you do – unless something disturbs them. The nightly sleep routine you establish for your dog will reassure and comfort them and enable them to get the rest they need to power through another exciting routine-packed day ahead.

Feeding routine

Feeding your dog at the same times every day is important not just for his emotional and mental wellbeing, but also because their metabolism will get used to the pattern.  Their meal and snack routines help you to control their weight and set the pace for other important routines, like play, toilet and sleep times. Try to feed your dog in the same place every day ensuring the area is safe and comfortable. Try to be as consistent as possible and avoid dramatic changes in his feeding schedule. If you have to make any changes phase them in gradually.

Toilet Routine

Your dog will find a way to let you know when they need to go to the toilet. Watch for the signs and take them out to relieve themselves, praising them and rewarding them when they do their business. In time these comfort breaks will become their daily toilet routine. If you have a puppy and you are house training them, they’ll need frequent breaks, primarily around meal and sleep times. If your dog is an adult, an outside trip at least once every eight hours should suffice. Normal routine break times should include first thing in the morning, after meals, during walks and play and before bedtime. Establishing your dogs toilet routine will help to avoid feelings of discomfort or anxiety for them and nasty clean-ups for you.

Walking and Play Routines

Dogs love to walk and play and look forward to these healthy activities. If you regularly take your dog out for a walk you can guarantee they’ll perk up the moment you pick up the lead. Make sure that at least one walk a day is a scheduled walk and happens around the same time each day. These walk and play routines, will be something that they’ll look forward to each day, and soon become a precious bonding routine for both of you.

Training and handling consistency

Make sure that your training commands are clear and that you apply them in consistent circumstances. You need to provide your dog with a clear framework for what is and is not allowed, and then stick to it. You might think it is a kindness to allow your dog to break with his usual behaviour norms on occasion- for example, sitting on the furniture or sleeping on the beds- but these kinds of ‘exceptions’ and lack of consistency in his training and handling will only serve to confuse him.

How to make changes

However committed you are to ensuring you dog has a consistent stable routine, sometimes you may need to make changes. When you need to introduce something new into your dog’s daily life, try to do it as gradually as possible. Only change one thing at a time to help them deal with the new routine. Keep your treatment of them and your responses to their behaviour consistent so they continue to have faith and respect in you as their owner and boss.

The Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make And How To Correct Them

wning a dog brings tremendous happiness and companionship, but it can also come with moments of guilt. As loving pet owners, we sometimes question our decisions and worry if we’re providing the best for our beloved canine companions. Dogs rely on us for their overall well-being and joy, which can lead to feelings of responsibility and occasional guilt.

Let’s delve into seven common regrets that dog owners experience and provide some advice to alleviate those feelings:

• In today’s busy life, finding quality time with your dog may sometimes seem challenging. Dog owners often feel guilty for not spending enough time with their furry companions as they would like. Remember, it’s the quality, not the quantity, of time that matters. Plan and set aside dedicated playtime, engage in training exercises, and make your weekends filled with special moments of bonding.
• Leaving your dog alone, whether for work, travel, or social commitments, can induce feelings of guilt. Dogs are flexible and can adapt to periods of alone time. Make sure they have a comfortable and safe place, provide them with toys or puzzles, and consider a doggy daycare or a trusted pet sitter if extended absences are frequent.
• A well-rested and happy owner also means a happier dog. Regular exercise is important for a dog’s physical and mental well-being, and ignoring this can trigger guilt. While every dog’s exercise needs differ, aim for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity daily. If you’re unable to meet these requirements due to physical limitations, consider interactive toys, mental stimulation, or keep a professional dog walker.
• Choosing the right diet for your dog can be huge, and guilt can arise from concerns about providing the best nutrition. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate diet for your dog’s age, breed, and health needs. Follow their recommendations, but also don’t forget that occasional treats or homemade meals can be enjoyed in moderation.
• Training is important for a well-behaved dog and feeling guilty about not giving enough time to training is common. Training is an ongoing process that needs patience and consistency. Seek professional trainers if needed, and combine short training sessions into your daily routine.
• Dog owners often experience guilt over health-related issues, such as missed vet appointments or delayed treatments. It’s important to prioritise your dog’s health. Regularly schedule veterinary check-ups, stay up-to-date with vaccinations, and promptly address any concerns that arise. Remember, your veterinarian can offer guidance and support to ensure your dog’s safety.\

TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS

http://images.akc.org/pdf/ebook/Responsible_Dog_Owners.pdf

 

Aditi Singh,Persueing Graduation in Amity University, Noida

 

 

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

 

Image-Courtesy-Google

 

Reference-On Request.

HOW TO KEEP HEALTHY LIFESTYLE OF YOUR PETS