Dogs are our furry best friends. They are the center and joyous parts of our busy lives. As such, we need to ensure they are happy and well taken care of. 

The first and foremost thing we need to look into is vaccinations. It is very important that dogs have the relevant vaccines on time to ensure their health and a long-life span. Refer to Canine Vaccines for details on the necessary vaccines, the frequency and the costs.

Dogs need a strict deworming schedule. From 2 weeks of age, pups must be dewormed every 2 weeks. From 3 months of age, once a month. From 6 months of age, once every 3 months. The dosage depends on the weight. Generally, pups are given a syrup via a syringe. Consult a vet for the exact dosage. As they grow bigger, they can be given tablets which are generally one tab per 10kg, with a maximum of 4 tablets per dog at once.

Dogs need sufficient garden space to exercise and play in. If your home is restrictive, make sure to walk your dog daily. It's important that dogs stay active to avoid obesity, fatigue, laziness and to improve their overall health. Further, some breeds require a lot of exercise - if not quenched, they tend to release pent-up energy in destructive ways. Do your research and provide your pet with what they need. Further, the garden needs to be entirely confined to avoid any runaways, and any unsafe jutted metal should be handled to avoid accidents.

The general environment in which the dog resides must always be clean, ensuring there are areas the dog can go to if it needs to relieve themselves. Pups must be litter trained if necessary to avoid undisciplined littering. They must have adequate shelter at all times away from rain and harsh sunlight. The area should be thoroughly cleaned with mild detergent to avoid rashes and allergies. 

Caging or chaining is strictly frowned upon. Dogs find joy in company and must be treated as such. There is little use in getting a “guard dog” without giving them a loving family to protect. If there is a need to put them in a secure area for a short period of time, it must have shelter, a good environment and space to walk around in. Constant restraints not only contribute to depression and loneliness, but also encourage negligence, allowing illnesses to go undiagnosed over periods of time.

A dog’s diet also contributes greatly to their overall health. For adult dogs, their diet must consist of proper protein and fiber materials to help them remain strong. Fish and skinless chicken are great options. The occasional beef or pork must be fat free and bone free.  Their diets can safely include vegetables such as carrots, dhal and green beans. Never give them sharp or hard bones over an extended period of time as it can cause digestion issues. It is best to give them the cartilage or soft part of bones on occasion. Adults should be fed either two meals a day or one big meal with snacks. You can spoil them with treats as long as you give them proper exercise.

For puppies, it is best to introduce a good brand of puppy food with occasional soft meat items such as chicken. Their nutrition requirements are very high, and will require 4-5 meals depending on their age. It is best to start the weaning process at 4 weeks of age. If they are separated from their mother before 8-10 weeks of age, it is crucial to give them a puppy milk replacer or puppy starter to substitute the nutrients they are missing. Monitor and maintain their water intake. Introduce milk or mix water/milk into pet food if they are reluctant. Certain human medications, foods and liquids can be highly toxic to dogs - do your research or consult a vet to provide responsible care.

While accessories can be adorable, they also come with risks, and some dogs just don’t like being accessorized. If they are in visible discomfort or pain, it isn’t worth it. As the dog grows, routinely place two fingers under their collar to ensure that is a comfortable fit. If not fitted properly, it can become a choking hazard and even cause deformations in pups. Choker chains are advised against. Owners are advised to observe their pet’s behavior as pups and get a dog trainer if deemed necessary. 

It’s advisable to use a harness for walks as it eliminates pressure on the neck and allows more lenient control, and is more comfortable. Make sure the breed is suitable for apparel, if so get them familiar with it from a young age. Put a dog tag with updated contact details or microchip, which helps better locate them in case they go missing.

Toys are a good distraction for dogs and can even aid teething pups. Dog toys made of rope and high-quality materials that are non-toxic can be bought at pet stores. Observe how the dog plays with chew toys or squeaky toys to avoid choking hazards, and make purchases accordingly. 

Another important part of maintaining a dog is upkeep. Dogs need to be washed once a week, with dog shampoo or soap, and dog conditioner if necessary. Avoid using human products, even baby soap, and medicated products to avoid unnecessary rashes and fur shedding. Tayo Bear Dog Soap, Dermitol Shampoo and Greenvet Dog Conditioner can be recommended. In the case of fleas, ticks or lice, use tick removal shampoo, followed by ectoparasiticides such as Bolfo Powder or Nexgard.

Grooming is a very important step, especially in long furred dogs, to avoid a matted coat. They must be brushed daily with a dog brush to get rid of loose fur and untangle knots. Owners should routinely inspect areas on their body for any wounds, rashes, ticks and fleas. Especially in long furred dogs, as their skin isn’t typically visible at all times to spot any issues.

Always take your dog to the vet if you’re concerned. Symptoms can point to a number of diagnoses, which is why googling  or asking strangers for advice on social media may not end well. Prolonging the time and giving your dog the wrong medication for the wrong diagnosis can be fatal. Be a responsible owner and always consult a vet immediately. Best Care currently has an online consultation program where a doctor will diagnose or advise over the phone, which can be of help.

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