Taking Care of a Dog in Its Senior Years

Taking Care of a Dog in Its Senior Years A dog is man’s best friend, as the saying goes.

Millions of dog owners know that to be true.

The challenge that you must be as good a friend to your dog as he is to you- picking the right dog boarding facilities, using the right training methods, etc. If you use the tips below, you are going to be able to know you are a great friend to your dog.

1. It can cost a lot to take care of a dog.

Every dog is going to need supplies, good food, great dog daycare options when you go out of town, and, most importantly, they will also need medical care. You should also look into purchasing a good pet health insurance policy to avoid high medical bills.

2. Dogs can't talk, so you must learn their body language. If your dog gets stressed when meeting a new dog or person, don't force them to meet. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. Look for non-verbal cues and follow what the dog is telling you.

3. If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal. If your dog eats your medication, see a vet right away.

4. Having fresh and clean water available to your dog at all times is a must. Dogs become dangerously dehydrated in a matter of days, so it’s very important to always have water ready.

Dogs will also appreciate water that is clean. If you find it necessary to drink filtered or bottled water because of the quality of water from your tap, then be sure to provide your dog with the same high quality water.

5. It is a good idea to use hand signals when you are trying to train your dog, instead of just relying on verbal commands. Using hand gestures can help your dog to recognize commands quicker.

Try these things to find out what is the best for your pet.

6. Use your lifestyle to pick the dog breed you need to get. If you love to run, seek out a pooch that will love to run alongside you. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. Steer clear of a breed mismatch if you want to be a happy dog owner.

7. Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Plenty of dogs are overweight, and just like humans, this can lead to health issues. People tend to overfeed their dogs, and many also feed them table scraps.

A dog doesn't need as many calories as most people think; talk to your vet about how much you should feed him each day, and what food is most suitable. A vet will advise you based on his size, age and lifestyle.

After reading these tips, you should now have the information you need to be a true pal to the animal who has always been true to you. Just make sure that you try each tip out to see what works best for you and your dog. That way, both of you are happy. For complete dog care in the Houston area, including dog grooming, connect with Woodlands Doggie Village.