Once you decide to have a dog, or if you already have one or two, here are the few things you should keep in mind. Nobody said taking care of a dog would be easy![break]
Food: Taking care of your dog’s diet is as equally important as your own diet. Some get a dog to take care of the leftover food at home.
“Dog food is the best food, but since it’s expensive, normal food will suffice. However, dogs should be given additional mineral supplements, like chewable bones and vitamins,” says Dr. B.C. Jha, a veterinarian doctor. Different breeds of dogs have different diet habits; and if you really care about your dog’s health, consulting a vet doctor over the diet is a good idea.
Hygiene: Whether your dog stays inside the house or in the doggie house, it is important that it stays clean. Bathing your dog frequently will cause the dog to lose its natural oil, leading to dry skin. So bathe your dog just every three months and use dog powder, which is readily available, to keep the ticks and fleas away during the three months. Combing and/or brushing your dog are a must and, if possible, should be done on a daily basis.
“It’s important that the dog has its own grooming kit comprising brush, comb, soap, shampoo and powder. Using human soap and shampoo is bad for the dogs, causing dryness,” explains Dr. Jha. “The habit of cleaning ears and nail clipping should begin from an early age,” he adds.
Nails: Never try and attempt to clip your dog’s nail at home if you don’t know how the clipping should be done. The nail and the inside skin are closely interlaced and can cause heavy bleeding if you cut the skin instead. Take your dog to your vet clinic to have your dog’s nails clipped, and learn it too. Special nail clippers for dogs are available in the market. If, by mistake, while clipping the nail, you clip the skin, press the bleeding area for around ten minutes and contact the doctor immediately.
Vaccination: As soon as you get a pet dog, vaccination is a must. Dogs can easily catch diseases and viruses, like human beings, and there are a number of vaccinations to be taken care of before the rabies shot.
Exercise: Your dog should have a place to run around because exercising for dogs is very important. Play with your dog in an open space, or walk them around to keep them in a fit shape.
Dental problems: Yes, dogs too do have dental problems, especially when they come of age and because they chew everything they can see. Brushing your dog with a soft brush once a week is a good idea.
Dog collar: Dog collars are not just for show. It should carry your name, address and telephone number. If they lose their way around, it is highly possible that it will find its way back home!
Visiting the doctor: Visit a vet doctor once every year, even if the dog is healthy. Contact your vet doctor if the dog starts puking blood and pukes more than thrice a day. Consulting your doctor over any topic is always a safe way out. Save the doctor’s number on your phone right away!
Dr. B.C. Jha is a veterinarian doctor located at Capital Mobile Pet Clinic in Chandole, Kathmandu.
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