how-to-take-care-of-your-dog

How to take care of your dog

The dog needs some regular care, especially since the animal is rarely a neat freak

Advice on how to keep your dog in good shape for as long as possible, but also how to take care of him when he is sick... because the health of your dog depends on it.

 

Eye care

With the exception of flat-nosed dogs such as boxers (which require daily care), cleaning the eyes once a week (or even every ten days) is more than enough!

The method: clean each eye from its inner corner to the outside, with a specific eye wipe (can be bought from a dog veterinarian, a specialized store or a pharmacy) or a compress soaked in saline solution beforehand. Changing the wipe/compress often will help prevent germs from entering the eyeball.

 

eye-dog-treatment

 

 

Ear care

Droopy ears or ears with a lot of hair require cleaning every 8-10 days. For the others, a monthly cleaning is sufficient. It is not advisable to clean your dog's ears just before going for a walk when it is cold, because just like humans, animals can be prone to ear infections.

The technique: instill a few drops of canine ear cleaner (available from your dog's veterinarian or pharmacy), gently massaging the outside of the ear with your fingers (excess product should be wiped off with a compress).

 

treatment-otitis-dogs

 

 

Healthy teeth and nails

No, tooth brushing and manicure are not just for humans! And if there are toothpastes for dogs with a very appreciated meat taste, slightly abrasive kibbles can do the trick, by ensuring a mechanical cleaning... without forgetting the chewable treats or the antiseptic tablets.

The veterinarian will also be able to do, from time to time, a scaling. As for the cutting of the claws, these will have to be cut (with a special claw cutter) only if they are excessively long (and only the translucent part).

 

teeth-cleaning-dog

 

 

Brushing and grooming: to be done regularly

During the moulting period (spring and fall), it is recommended to brush your dog several times a week with a comb for short hair (two brushings a week) or a currycomb for medium or long hair (one brushing every two days).

Outside these periods, brushing once a fortnight is sufficient. As far as bathing is concerned, it should preferably be given after brushing. A shampoo (adapted to the canine pH) every two months is sufficient (except if the dog is dirty or has bathed in sea water).

 

shampoo-dog

 

 

The physical and mental balance of the dog

Each breed is different, so each dog will have different needs to achieve physical and mental balance. But his age, his character and his health are also factors that come into play.

It is up to the owner to understand all these data and to create the right balance, according to the physical requirements of the animal (a puppy will not have the same needs as an adolescent dog, for example). And even if the adult dog tends to adapt more easily to changes, stress can also be a threat. It is up to the owner to reassure him through his behavior.

 

kong

 

 

Prevention

When it comes to dog health, prevention is better than cure! Especially since veterinary research has made great progress in recent years. Dewormers, vaccines, insect repellents, etc.: it would be a shame not to give your dog the benefit of these.

However, it is essential to seek the advice of a dog veterinarian, as health requirements are not the same in all regions.

Spaying is also recommended for females whose owners do not plan to have any litters, to prevent any risk of mammary tumors. You may also want to consider health insurance for your dog, as health care can be very expensive.

 

The (frequent) diseases of the dog

Like humans, dogs can also suffer from diabetes, hip dysplasia, piroplasmosis (a kind of dog Lyme disease) or viral hepatitis...

But other canine diseases unfortunately complete the list: the infamous distemper, leptospirosis, demodecie, parvovirosis (especially in canine communities), without forgetting rabies. These parasitic or bacteriological diseases are particularly devastating, because they are often contagious and serious (from neurological after-effects to death).

All these moments spent taking care of his animal reinforce the complicity between the master and his dog. Moreover, regular hygienic care will allow the detection of possible small lesions or parasitic infections: another reason not to neglect them!