A dog is considered to be man’s best friend and many people feel that a family isn’t complete without one. Owning a dog brings a great deal of happiness and fun but also a lot of responsibility. Your four-legged friend is dependent on you. Being a responsible dog owner takes time, energy, patience and above all, love. If you don’t have a dog already and are thinking of welcoming a dog into your home, here are some elements of what it takes to be a responsible dog owner.
Evaluate Your Lifestyle
A lifestyle evaluation is needed before you commit to getting a dog. This means looking at what you currently do on a daily basis and asking questions such as:
- How will what I do day to day affect my dog?
- What changes do I need to make to the home?
- Will I need a dogsitter?
These types of questions will help give you a clear understanding of how your current lifestyle will affect your furry friend.
Diet
Dogs can’t feed themselves and they don’t have a say over what you give them. It’s okay to give your dog a little doggie treat now and again but steer clear from most human cooked food as it can cause them to pile on weight and can result in health problems. A healthy diet for dogs is a must to ensure that they don’t become obese! For what not to give your dog, take a look at this article we wrote previously: https://blog.travall.com/en-gb/the-20-worst-foods-for-your-dog-to-consume/
Vaccinations
If you have just become the proud owner of a gorgeous pup then you’re going to need to get him vaccinated. Vaccinations from a young age will help protect your pooch from potentially deadly diseases. As a pup, your dog is going to need its primary set of injections and then you’ll need to take him for boosters regularly throughout his adult life to help keep him protected.
Exercise
Exercise and playtime are critical to the healthy lifestyle of any dog – no matter what breed. Be prepared to commit to walking your dog on a daily basis and set aside extra time for playtime. Regular exercise will not only keep your dog fit and healthy but it is essential to your dog’s happiness. It keeps a dog’s brain active and helps relieve stress. Sadly, PDSA research shows that thousands of dogs in the UK are never walked at all. Some breeds require more exercise than others, so the breed of dog you select is a very important consideration at the outset.
Waste collection
When you take your dog for a walk, make sure you leave the street or the park as clean as you found it to ensure a healthy environment for the whole community. Always take plastic collection bags with you on every walk, so that you can pick up your dog’s excrement. Importantly, don’t leave the waste-filled bags lying around, but do dispose of them in the bins provided by your local council.
Grooming
The amount you groom your dog will depend on the type of coat and the breed of your dog. Grooming will help keep his coat in pristine condition and will allow you to spend quality time together. It also provides an excellent opportunity for you to stay on top of your dog’s body condition and spot any changes that could indicate health problems. Learn some top dog grooming tips here: https://blog.travall.com/en-gb/dog-grooming-tips-to-make-spring-cleaning-your-dog-easier/
Training
Training your dog is one of the most rewarding parts of dog ownership. It is key to bonding and building a loving relationship together. No matter your dog’s age, being able to respond to basic commands is essential. There are lots of great tips out there on the internet for help with training your canine. Don’t forget to reward your dog with a treat or two after he obeys a command!
Microchipping
Having your dog microchipped gives a permanent form of identification and is now a requirement in the UK. With dog theft on the rise and thousands of dogs lost every year, microchipping should be done by your vet so should the worst happen, your dog has a stronger chance of being returned safely to you.
Travel safety
Hopefully, as a proud dog owner, you’ll want to take your dog with you on trips and vacations. However, how best to travel with a dog in the car needs careful consideration. On most road trips, a dog is best placed securely at the rear of the vehicle with a bed or blanket. For reduced driving distractions and a more comfortable journey for your canine companion, install a vehicle-specific Travall Guard.
Being a responsible dog owner is no small task – we haven’t even scratched the surface. However, if you are fully prepared for the challenge then it is one of the most rewarding ventures there is.
For behavioural, dietary, medical and grooming advice specific to your dog always consult with your veterinarian.
