So, you're thinking about adopting a dog? That's exciting! But before you bring a dog into your home, there are some essential things you should know to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or just need a quick reminder, these dog care tips will help guide you through the basics.

Vaccinations Are a Must

When we bring home a new puppy, we need to remember that they aren't fully protected from diseases just yet. That's why it's important to start vaccinations early. At around two months old, your dog should begin their vaccination schedule. This typically includes a combination vaccine and a rabies shot. The first year includes three doses of the combination vaccine, and one rabies shot. After that, yearly booster shots are necessary to keep your dog protected.

Bathing Your Dog: It's Important!

Bathing your dog might seem like a simple task, but there's a little more to it than you might think. We recommend bathing your dog every 2-3 weeks to maintain their skin health and cleanliness. However, there are some circumstances where you should delay a bath, such as after deworming treatments or vaccinations, or if your dog is recovering from illness. Remember, bathing too frequently can actually harm their skin, so it's best to stick to a consistent routine.

What Not to Feed Your Dog

We all want to spoil our pets with treats, but it's essential to know which foods are safe and which are harmful. Some common human foods can be toxic to dogs. For example, grapes, chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), and onions should never be given to dogs. Always check whether a food item is safe before feeding it to your dog.

Avoid Giving Dogs Bones

You may have seen videos of dogs happily chewing on bones, but giving your dog bones – especially small or broken ones – is not a good idea. Bones can be difficult for dogs to digest, and they can splinter, causing serious injuries to their digestive tract. If you want to give your dog something to chew on, choose safe options like large marrow bones or specialized dog chew toys instead.

Dogs Can Have Salt

Yes, dogs can eat salt, but it's important to limit the amount they consume. The recommended daily salt intake for dogs is about 0.4 to 0.6 milligrams. Salt can enhance your dog's food flavor, but too much can be harmful, so always keep their intake in check.

Dogs Love Sleeping on the Floor

If your dog prefers to sleep on the floor rather than in their bed, don't worry, it's normal! Dogs naturally have a body temperature range between 37.5-39 degrees Celsius, so they often seek out cooler spots to sleep. The floor is cooler than a bed, so it helps them stay comfortable. This might also explain why many dogs seem to gravitate toward tile or concrete floors during hot weather.

Understanding Your Dog's Heat Cycle

If you have an unspayed female dog, you should be aware of her heat cycle. Female dogs typically go into heat twice a year, during the spring and fall. Male dogs, on the other hand, can begin showing interest in females around six to eight months of age. If you don't plan on breeding, it's a good idea to consider spaying or neutering your dog before their first heat cycle. This can help prevent unwanted pregnancies and also reduce health risks.

Be Mindful of Stair Climbing

Climbing stairs can be hard on your dog, especially for small or short-legged breeds. Repeatedly climbing stairs can strain your dog's joints and cause damage, particularly in puppies or older dogs. If you live in a house with stairs, try to minimize your dog's access to them. Also, consider giving them calcium supplements to help strengthen their bones and joints.

Your Dog Needs Lots of Sleep

Just like humans, dogs need plenty of sleep to stay healthy. In fact, dogs sleep about 15-16 hours a day on average. This may sound like a lot, but it's essential for their energy and overall well-being. Make sure your dog has a quiet, comfortable space to rest during the day so they can recharge for their next adventure.

Feeding: Don't Overfeed Your Dog

It might be tempting to fill your dog's bowl with food, but it's important to avoid overfeeding. Dogs don't always know when they're full and might eat everything in their bowl. However, overeating can lead to digestive problems and obesity. Try to give your dog meals that are easily digestible and ensure they finish their food within a set time (about 8 minutes) to help with proper digestion.

Happy and Healthy Dogs

Now that you know these important tips for taking care of your dog, you're ready to be the best dog parent ever! Remember, dogs rely on us for their health and well-being, so taking care of their vaccinations, diet, exercise, and overall needs will ensure they live a long, happy life. Lykkers, what's your best dog care tip? Share it with us in the comments!