Caring for a dog, what to consider?

Proper care for your dog contributes to good health. You need to care for its coat, ears, nails and teeth. It is very important to care for your dog. Here’s what you need to pay attention to.

Coat care

Each dog breed has its own features. Rough-coated dachshunds for example have a rough, matt coat, whereas a Doberman has a smooth, shiny coat. How do you identify an unhealthy coat? An unhealthy coat has several features that apply to all dogs:

• Bald spots
• Patching
• Dandruff or flaking
• Itching or red spots
• Wounds due to scratching

These are all signs of health problems. Itching or red spots may also indicate that your dog is suffering from parasites such as fleas. You can combat fleas and other parasites, such as worms and ticks as well as treat your dog to prevent them from infecting it.

Tips for coat care

In order to care for your dog’s coat properly, it is important to brush it regularly with a special dog brush. You can wash your dog’s coat, but make sure to use organic or natural dog shampoo. High-quality, pure food contributes to healthy skin and coat as well.

Groomer

You can have your dog’s coat groomed by a groomer. It is good to start taking your dog to the groomer as a pup, while it is being socialised. This allows your dog to get used to the situation and you can learn about how to care for your dog’s coat.

Caring for a dog: ears, eyes and teeth

The coat isn’t the only thing you need to care for. A dog’s ears, eyes and teeth require your attention too.

• Ears – Regular inspection for ticks and inflammation. If your dog tends to shake its head a lot or rub its paw over its ear, this may indicate that something is wrong with its ear.
• Eyes – Your dog’s eyes should be shining and the sclera should be clear and white. An excess of tear fluid may cause inflammation so keep an eye on it.
• Teeth – Have your dog’s teeth checked by a vet regularly in order to prevent problems at an older age.

A healthy dog requires proper care, but food and exercise are also paramount. Read more about the features of a healthy dog.