Many dog lovers buy whatever they can in hopes of pleasing their precious canines. Although this is a sweet gesture, there are other ways to show your pet that you really care. Taking care of them in these five special ways will allow your dog to become more comfortable.
1. Keep Your Dog’s Nails Trimmed
Trimming your dog’s nails every 3 weeks is very important for his health and well-being. When trimming is neglected and the nails grow too long, too much pressure is put on your dog’s toes. As a result, walking becomes painful for your dog and their posture becomes negatively affected. The dog has less of a grip on slippery tile or wood flooring when its nails are too long. If you are unable to trim your dog’s nails, contact a local dog groomer to handle it for you.
2. Avoid Clinking Dog Tags
Imagine that you had to wear jewelry around your neck that made an annoying clinking sound every time you moved. If the sound of your dog’s ID tags gets on your nerves, think about how your dog might feel, considering how strong a dog’s hearing is. If your dog has several tags, one option is to bundle them together with a strong rubber band. If you prefer something more streamlined, there are pouches available that slip on over the tags.
3. Don’t Leave Harnesses on All the Time
Harnesses for dogs are useful, fun, and stylish. However, it cannot be stressed enough that the harness needs to fit your dog perfectly. Otherwise, it could be rubbing or pinching your dog. He would have no way to tell you of his discomfort. Even if the harness fits exactly right, it should never be left on your dog 24/7, according to Whole Dog Journal.
4. Take Good Care of Your Dog’s Skin and Fur
Your dog’s fur is a place where ticks, burrs, and other critters can lodge and make themselves a home. No matter how your dog’s skin is affected, taking care of the problem now versus later makes it easier to fix. If you take good care of your dog’s skin now, it will save you from expensive vet bills later. When you groom and inspect your dog, look for any new lumps and bumps, areas of hair loss, and any painful hair matting.
5. Don’t Neglect Your Dog’s Teeth
You are aware if you have been brushing your dog’s teeth or not. If the answer is no, it is time to begin. Use toothpaste specifically made for dogs.
If your dog’s gums appear red and its breath smells bad, it is time to schedule a dental exam with your veterinarian. Dental problems make your dog uncomfortable as they can cause chronic pain. They can also cause other negative health effects throughout the rest of the body if left unchecked.