Are you celebrating National Animal Safety & Protection Month? Our animals take good care of us all year long, and this is the month devoted to taking extra good care of them.
Even if you don’t have a dog specifically trained as an assistance dog, most pets have been shown to provide benefits to humans in lowered blood pressure, stress reduction, and general health and well-being. So, let’s consider some ways in which we can give back.
How do you provide for your dog’s safety and protection? Here are some simple steps you can take:
First and foremost, feed your dog a good quality food rich in nutrients. In addition, watch the snacks, whether they are dog cookies or people food. Obesity is nearly as big a problem in the canine community as it is in the human race.
Next, make sure your home is dog-proof. Just as you would with a new baby, you must puppy-proof your home to make it safe. Even if your dog is older, there are still things in your home that can hurt or even kill your adult dog. Antifreeze, cleansers, plants, and certain human foods are poisonous to dogs.
Keep your dog at home or under your control at all times. OK, I’m probably the biggest perpetrator here, as my dogs continually get loose (although they have managed to stay home for the past seven consecutive days!!!) But, conventional wisdom says that you should keep your dogs fenced or tied up so that they are not kidnapped, run over, or victimized by any other calamaty.
Train your dog so he comes when you call EVERY time. Even when there is a squirrel running through the yard. Even when he is playing at the dog park. If he doesn’t come every time, you cannot keep him safe.
Provide adequate water year-round. This means continually filling the water bowls in the summer and breaking the ice layer on outside water bowls in the winter.
Learn basic first aid for pets and keep a properly-stocked first aid kit on hand.
Crate or harness your dog when you take him on car trips.
Show the love. Remember that dogs are pack animals, and most breeds require affection and attention. If you don’t have time to spend with your dog, you really should find someone who does!
What are your thoughts? How do you take care of your dog? We’d love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!