Dog caring tips

AS a dog owner, caring for our dogs is always a constant learning process because as they age their needs also change. We have a total of nine dogs: one senior dog, two puppies and six adults and since October is the animal welfare month, here are some basic dog caring tips that will come handy for our furry buddies.

KEEP ‘EM HYDRATED

Just like humans, our dogs need to be hydrated too especially during the hot months. So always make sure that they have access to fresh and clean water nearby. During hot days, we treat our dogs with ice or add some ice cubes to their water for them to keep cool and to reduce their panting.

DON’T OVERFEED

I don’t know if it is just our dogs, but they tend to be hungry all the time (like ALL the time) but do not be tempted as study shows that obesity in dogs can expose them to serious diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and joint complications, to name a few.

Most vets recommend feeding dogs twice a day and we also practice the same-once in the morning and once in the afternoon with some treats and snacks in between. Since dogs are omnivores and because we also maintain a household budget, their meals are a balance of rice, meat, veggies and dog food.

TAKE TIME TO EXERCISE

Keeping your dog active will also help in reducing its risks of being overweight. I know that with our hectic dayto-day schedule, it’s hard for us to do this but if you can, establish a walk or exercise schedule with your dog. It can be as simple as playing a ball to running around your lawnjust simple activities that will keep their heartbeat raising.

BE CONSISTENT

In an interview, Cesar Millan, a self-taught dog behaviorist, notes that a consistent daily routine gives our dogs the “peace of mind” since canines are creatures of habit. If you can, be consistent with your schedule just like the time you feed your dogs, take them for a walk or even with their nap time so they won’t get confused

We love our pets, that’s for sure and going home to them will always be the best part of our day so let’s all be responsible in taking care of them.