As a newbie dog parent it is important to have the relevant information and not wing it. Your newest, fluffiest family member will rely on you for the utmost care. This blog will serve as your holy grail for your initial months of dog parenting as you embark upon your best relationship ever.
Diet
Dog food is a widely supplied produce available in all mainstream commercial markets, the hard part is figuring out what diet plan is suitable for your breed from the plethora of products available.
The type of food catering to your fluffy friends can be kibble, canned, dehydrated and raw.
Kibble
By far the most affordable option, kibble comes in the form of dry, hard pellets. This particular kind of dog feed stays fresh for three weeks after opening of kept in an airtight space. It usually contains the massive amounts of nutrients for your dog like carbohydrates which is essential in providing dogs with energy but the portions need to be monitored carefully as kibble in excess cis a cause for drastic weight gain in dogs.
However, it is of extreme importance that you dog have access to fresh water due to the low moisture formula of kibble. Kibble can also be provided soaked in water or broth to ensure your dog stays hydrated.
Canned wet food
This contains relatively lower levels of carbohydrates compared to kibble but the formula has high moisture content. Canned foods have the added benefit of not going bad as they can be stored for several months if unopened. However, they considerably cost more than dry dog food.
Dehydrated food
Dehydrated food is usually created by cooking meat or veggies at low heat and making sure they are devoid of any moisture so that it becomes easy to store and remains edible as long as it’s kept in an air tight container. However they are usually lacking in carbohydrates. The upside is they don’t have to be prepared every instance and can be served straight out of the container.
Raw food
Your doggy friend may rely heavily on uncooked muscle meat, fish, organ meat with the occasional fruits and vegetables. In terms of nutrition unprocessed raw food is the best. It offers complete nutrition requirements. Another favourable factor is how raw food aids in your dog’s digestion.
Foods to avoid
Chocolate contains a chemical compound that is hard for a dog’s body to break down. Thus chocolate must be avoided at all cost as it causes tremors, internal bleeding and can even prove to be fatal for dogs when ingested. Certain grapes and raisins are also known to be fatally toxic to dogs and it is best to make sure none are ever ingested.
Signs that your dog has found the right feed:
- A proper balanced diet for dogs will become apparent if you know what to look for.
- Pay attention to their fur, when receiving the right nutrients they will grow a soft, shiny coat.
- A healthy skin without any rashes or itching.
- Stool that is not firm and non-sticky.
- A consistent appetite is also a good indicator of having found the right diet plan for your dog.
Grooming and health
It is advisable to select a veterinarian as soon as possible after getting your dog and schedule an appointment.Your puppy will need to be vaccinated and in case of having been adopted from a shelter will most probably need deworming, you can find out by inspecting their stool for worms.
At Twissted Whiskas, you can avail the services of our in-house vet for all your vaccinations and checkups.
Fleas and parasites
Flea collars, sprays and other medicinal products are available to prevent your dog from harbouring these parasites. There are topical products and ingestible ones that all aid in flea and parasite prevention. Consult your chosen veterinarian in deciding which remedy best suitable for your good boy.
Nail trimming
Clippers are a go to tool for trimming your doggy’s nails however it is prudent to be cautious as you don’t want to accidentally clip there blood vessel running through the nail. Make sure you spot the pink quick and work around it. In case of an accident keep corn starch to help with the bleeding. If you’re nervous you can also use a nail grinder which is easier as it wears down your dog’s nails. Use plenty of doggy treats to get your dog to calm down get accustomed to the process.
Tooth Brushing
Dry food is capable of creating plaque and this is why it is necessary to brush your dog’s teeth with a pet tooth brush. It is also crucial to check your dog’s teeth for tartar build up which is harder to remove and may need a veterinarian’s help.
Coat grooming
This depends widely on your dog’s breed. If it is off a breed that possess single coat the shedding isn’t much of a problem. Regular brushing is required to avoid the fur from getting matted along with regular haircuts. Double coated dogs on the other hand shed a lot in shedding moths. Frequent brushing can help with that. Twissted Whiskers have trained dog groomers and stylists that can help your dog’s unruly fur. Know more about the full range of our grooming services for dogs here.
Training and Tricks
Ensuring that your dog indeed lives up to the phrase ‘good boy’ you’ll need to invest some time in establishing good habits and discouraging the bad ones. Force and punishment aren’t always required you can make do with redirecting your dog’s actions elsewhere and rewarding him for that. In case of chewing, discourage his behaviour by taking away the respective object and in its stead providing a chew toy, he will soon learn what to chew and what not to.
When teaching a new skill or trick it is important to be generous with rewarding your dog when he shows signs of slow gradual improvement. Rewards can be in the form of treats, toys or admiration. Treats work the best but you can observe your dog to see which one he prefers.
Potty training can be done in similar ways, your doggy will need to go relieve himself soon after waking up and after meal times. Encourage and praise them generously when they go potty outside to reaffirm their behaviour. If you’re a puppy parent you’ll need to be careful as they need to urinate on an hourly basis.
Play-dates with other dogs is an important part of a dog’s life too. They’re very active animals and need someone to share their excessive energy with. Twissted Whiskers is a first time dog owner’s one-stop solution for everything, from grooming to veterinary services to day care and dog boarding. Contact us at 678-714-5477 to know more.
