The cleanliness and good health of your pet require some knowledge and a little discipline on a daily basis.
What is the best food for a dog?
Adequate nutrition is essential to the well-being of your dog.
His needs depend on his age, his level of activity, whether or not he is sterilized… Ask your veterinarian for advice.
“
Puppies
don't have the same needs as adult dogs.
Molossers finish growing much later than
small dogs
.
Junior food must be given until the age of 10 months for small
breeds
, but for 12 months for dogs up to 25 kg once adult and for 24 months for templates over 25 kg
. Sylvain Peillot, trainer in the Maxi Zoo pet store chain.
How to take care of the body hygiene of your dog?
The dog must be accustomed very early to being handled and washed so that when he becomes an adult the toilet is done smoothly.
The eyes, like the ears, should be cleaned as often as necessary, even several times a day if they run, as is the case with brachycephalic dogs (which have a flattened muzzle) or breeds with protruding eyes.
Use a sterile, lint-free pad soaked in tap water.
The eye lotion is to be used once a week to unclog the tear duct connected to the respiratory system.
Brushing is necessary once a week at least, or even every day if the dog has knots in the hair, provided you do not use a brush that removes the undercoat, because the animal needs it to regulate the body temperature, summer and winter.
It is better to file the claws rather than cut them so that they keep their natural curve.
If you only have nail clippers, just clip them.
“The claw contains a vein inside that grows along with it.
If you cut too short, you risk hurting the dog badly.
Ask your veterinarian to show you the gesture
,” advises Sylvain Peillot.
For the maintenance of the teeth, use a dental gel which removes the tartar and supplement by the mechanical action of a brush to make fall the loosened particles.
The microfibers of the chewing strings pass between the teeth and act like a toothbrush.
How to take care of your dog after outings?
Each time you return from a walk in nature, inspect your dog to make sure he does not have a parasite.
Ticks can nest in underbrush when winters are mild.
“Examine the ears and spread the pads of the legs to make sure that a spikelet, a kind of small grass spike, has not planted itself there.
Once passed under the skin, it can cause serious lesions and require surgery
,” continues Sylvain Peillot.
The pads require special attention, especially if you run a lot with your pet.
They are also easily irritated in winter, due to freezing or salting of the sidewalks, and in summer, due to the heat of the macadam.
Get an ointment to moisturize them in prevention.
In the event of a cut, the veterinarian can prescribe a healing balm.
In winter, a coat is useful for certain breeds that lack undercoat, such as Yorkies, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, or for older dogs with arthritis.
Read also5 things to check to know if my dog is in good health
What are the essential accessories to have at home for the well-being of the dog?
The dog must have "his room", that is to say, a bed of his own, in a corner, with a view of the group.
Do not install it in front of a door, because the comings and goings will stress it.
It can be a transport crate where he feels safe or a doghouse.
The dog rests when its master is absent.
Also, you have to stimulate it when you are present.
Make him work, give him orders, offer him games.
“Leave him a few toys of different shapes and textures, in a safe, but not too many.
Make rotations and change them from time to time.
Even if he has already played with it, the dog has the impression of having something new
,” concludes Sylvain Peillot.
Good to know
All toys are suitable for puppies, but they should never be left to play unsupervised to avoid the risk of choking.