Quick Tips From Puppy Love

Dogs play a very important role in many peoples lives. They can bring you up when you are down, cuddle up with you when you are lonely, lick your face when you are sad, and lets face it- they become a part of your family!! Here are some quick tips for your pup (young or old) from the team at Puppy Love.

1. Learn How to Train: Training starts with YOU the owner of the dog. Just like humans become a product of the environment they are raised in, so is your dog going to influenced by you. You must learn how to train your dog to keep him/her and you happy!

2. Don’t Do it Alone: There are countless resources out there to help you with all of your pets needs (ex. How to train, what to feed them, health questions, etc.) you MUST USE THEM!! Do not try to guess what you should do, talk with your vet and/or buy e-books on the subject you need help with.

3. Schedule Regular Vet Check-Ups: Just like getting your child checked by the physician, the same goes for your pet. If something is wrong, regular visits will ensure a good chance of catching it before its too late. We suggest you use pet software to keep track of all your dogs scheduled appointments, medical records, and anything else that needs to be recorded.

4. Exercise Your Pets! What would happen if you sat around and did nothing all day? I think you know, it is extremely important to play with your dog and go for plenty of walks to get them (and you) the proper amount of exercise for healthy muscle growth. Dogs in particular can suffer major problems with behavior if not exercised properly.

5. Keep Current ID on Your Dog: Make sure to get a collar and tags for your pet as well as microchip if possible just in case your pet ever gets lost.

6. Keep Your Pet at a Healthy Weight: Just a few additional pounds can increase your pet’s chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and many other life-threatening diseases.

7. Spay or Neuter Your Pet: This surgery is classified as lifesaving for two reasons: you will reduce your pet’s chances of getting mammary or testicular cancer as it ages, and you will personally be helping to end the problem of pet overpopulation in our community.

8. License Your Dog: Proof of current rabies vaccination and a nominal fee will help guarantee your dog’s safety should it get lost or (God forbid) bite someone. A current rabies tag is like a ticket home should Animal Control find your pet at large.

9. Pet-Proof Your Home/Yard: By spending a little time at removing sources of danger (exposed cords, poisonous plants, antifreeze, chemicals, chocolate, access to garbage cans, etc.), you’ll save a lot of money in vet bills… and maybe even your pet’s life.

As you and your pet share your lives, you will be able to add more knowledge, from experience, to help keep your best friend happy and healthy throughout its life. For more details on training, Health, and nutrition for your dog please visit the Puppy Love Team at puppyloveinfo.homestead.com