Caring for Your New Best Friend
Your new dog has many stresses in his life when you first introduce him into your household. Continue with the diet he is accustomed to and then gradually change him to the food you prefer by feeding him a 50/50 solution of his previous and new foods after the first week. Increase the new food to 75 percent and if he tolerates this well, eventually move him completely into the new diet. Be sure to check ingredient labels and if you have questions, please contact your veterinarian or breeder. An additional tip is that dry food will does assist your dog in cleaning his teeth, but you may add a little wet food to his dry solution if you prefer.
Stainless steel bowls are an excellent choice for food and water for your new dog. They are easy to clean well and the food and water will not leech into the bowl. Make sure you change his water frequently. Would you like to drink water that has been sitting out for hours? Neither does your new pal. Avoid sunlight when placing the bowls in his eating area. Hot water doesn’t quench thirst and could make your baby uncomfortable.
You are going to need to groom your dog regardless of whether he is short or long haired. Short-coated dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, will tolerate a brush with shorter bristles. But be careful, especially, on long haired pets, that you do not miss the undercoat. A good tip is to start on the foot and brush in a downward motion, in the way that the hair is growing. Continue in this fashion about two or three inches at a time. That should take care of any mats that may have formed in his undercoat. As for shampoo, please do not use human shampoo — the pH levels in dogs and humans are very different. Just choose one that is strictly made for dogs.
Cleaning his teeth doesn’t have to be an “ouch” situation. It actually can be fun. Purchase a toothbrush, toothpaste and rinse specifically manufactured for your little guy. He may prefer a flavored toothpaste. Do you like mint or wintergreen? Maybe he has a preference as well. His toothbrushes are smaller and ultra-soft as well. Simply apply the paste to the brush and use a vertical motion, just as you brush your own teeth. Be patient — if he is not accustomed to this, just be calm and reward him with lots of pats and love.
Trimming the nails is not an easy task. Some dogs really resist this procedure so you might prefer having your groomer or veterinarian do this job. However, if you choose to tackle this task yourself, note that there is a pink part and a white part to the nail. The pink area contains blood vessels and nerve endings and cutting into this area will be painful. Leave an abundance of white area to verify that you do not injure your baby and leave him with unpleasant memories. If your dog has black nails, just bite the bullet and take him to a groomer.
Finding a veterinarian that you and your dog both like and trust doesn’t have to be a hassle. Word of mouth is a good option as well as the advice of the breeder or kennel where you purchased your dog. Take him in for his first visit immediately to be checked for “kennel cough,” fleas, ticks and worms. Don’t hesitate to inform your veterinarian if this is your first dog — he will be delighted to give you all sorts of great information. Keeping his vaccinations up to date is imperative and regular check ups will ensure good health for his future. Try to keep note of any unusual behavior — he cannot tell you when he isn’t feeling well. Establishing a good, trusting relationship is key to observing when he isn’t just quite up to snuff. Always post the phone number of the veterinarian and a 24-hour emergency clinic in an obvious area of your home so that whoever is caring for your pet will be able to take advantage of this if the need arises.
These are basic care issues of which every dog owner needs to be aware. Following these simple guidelines will ensure that you and your dog have a long, healthy and fun relationship.
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