Adopting a dog is a major decision that will influence your life for many years. What’s more, if you have young children, he’ll become a loyal companion to them. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the most important criteria to think about. By considering the following factors in advance, you’ll be better prepared to adopt a pooch that is a perfect complement to your lifestyle.

Large Versus Small

The size of your new companion is important for a number of reasons. First, smaller breeds tend to grow cold more quickly than larger ones. Second, because they’re so small, they are especially susceptible to being underfoot; one wrong step can injure them. Third, smaller pooches often develop a “big dog” complex. That is, they overcompensate for their smaller stature by acting aggressively toward other canines.

Large breeds, on the other hand, need a lot of room. Not only do they need space to roam, but their tails can inadvertently knock over objects in a cramped area. Also, they’re usually more expensive to maintain than their smaller counterparts (i.e. they eat more).

How Much Energy Can You Handle?

All canines need exercise on a regular basis regardless of their size and breed. That said, some have more energy than others. For example, Miniature Pinschers and Border Collies are known to be high-energy pooches while Greyhounds and Great Danes are much less so.

Consider your lifestyle. Do you jog, bike, or hike regularly? If so, a high-energy dog may be a seamless fit. On the other hand, if your job prevents you from committing to more than a morning and evening walk, a lower-energy canine will be more appropriate.

Grooming And Other Maintenance

Part of owning a dog is making sure he is properly groomed. Nails tend to grow at the same pace across breeds, but hair is a different matter entirely. Some breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Pomeranians, and Scottish Terriers have longer hair. That means they’ll need more grooming and maintenance. It also means they’ll shed more. Other breeds, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dalmatians have shorter hair, which means less grooming and less shedding.

Also, keep in mind that some breeds “slobber” more than others. For example, owning a Boxer, Irish Water Spaniel, or Saint Bernard will normally require that you carry a cloth for cleaning.

Pup, Adult, Or Senior?

There are pros and cons to adopting younger and older dogs. If you adopt a puppy, you’ll have a hand in raising him from the beginning. However, pups can be rambunctious and need a lot of attention. You’ll also need to devote time to housebreaking him.

Adult dogs are less rowdy and usually housebroken. Their temperament has already developed, so you’ll essentially “know” your companion when you adopt him (that’s not the case with puppies). Plus, a lot of adult canines have already received some level of training, so socialization is less a challenge than with pups.

What about senior pooches? Their energy level is lower and they make wonderful companions. However, because they are going through the last years of their lives, they’ll usually require more frequent visits to the veterinarian.

Owning a dog is one of the most enjoyable experiences people can have. But it’s important to choose a canine that fits your lifestyle and preferences. That’s the most reliable way to guarantee you’ll enjoy each other’s companionship.

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Oral disease is one of the most prevalent medical issues suffered by pets throughout the country. For this reason, we’ll take a closer look at common dental problems experienced by dogs and the steps you can take to prevent them. We’ll explain why regular trips to your veterinarian are critical and describe how to care for your canine’s teeth at home.

Common Types Of Dental Problems

While cavities are rare among canines, plaque buildup is common. It typically forms as the result of small bits of food that accumulate between the teeth and gum line. If the food is allowed to remain there for prolonged periods, plaque will eventually form.

Over time, minerals in your canine’s saliva will transform the plaque into tartar. Tartar is a bigger problem because it is much more difficult to remove. Moreover, unlike plaque, tartar causes inflammation to the gums, a condition known as gingivitis.

If your dog develops gingivitis, you’ll noticed the gum line next to his teeth becoming red. You’ll also notice that his breath is bad. If the tartar is allowed to remain, it will continue to build underneath your pooch’s gums. Small spaces will eventually form between the gum line and teeth, which promote the growth of bacteria. This is the onset of periodontitis; it cannot be reversed. Your dog will likely begin to develop abscesses, infection, and other problems, including lost teeth.

It’s worth noting the factors that contribute to periodontal disease. First, some breeds are more susceptible to developing the problem than others. Second, genetics play a role. Third, your canine’s diet, age, and the dental care you provide for him at home also have a significant influence. Many owners would be surprised to learn that even the manner in which they groom their dogs can promote the accumulation of tartar.

Regular Trips To The Veterinarian

Proper dental care for your pooch should involve a two-pronged approach. You should make regular appointments with his veterinarian while also providing ongoing care at home.

The veterinarian will perform oral exams and cleanings, when necessary. The oral exams can help the vet identify problems before they worsen. For example, he or she can examine your pooch’s teeth and gum line for evidence of plaque and tartar. If gingivitis or periodontitis has already formed, the veterinarian can take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

Dental cleanings should be done on a regular basis for your dog. While it’s important to do them at home, the veterinarian will have the necessary tools to remove tartar buildup (brushing is insufficient). He or she will also have access to scalers that are necessary to remove tartar from beneath the gums. Once the tartar has been removed, your dog’s teeth should be polished.

Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth At Home

Home dental care for your canine involves two important tasks: brushing and examining. Ideally, brushing should be done each day, but even three or four times each week is valuable. It helps to remove food particles that become trapped between your dog’s teeth and gums. That prevents their setting the stage for plaque buildup.

You should examine your canine’s teeth once a week. Check for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Look for redness along the gum line. Check for bad breath. Take note of any tenderness your canine displays when you touch his mouth. If you notice signs of dental problems, make an appointment with the veterinarian.

Your dog relies upon you to help keep his teeth and gums in good condition. The more you and your veterinarian do to prevent dental problems from developing, the happier and healthier he’ll be.

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It’s important to realize the right treats can prove instrumental in motivating a specific behavioral response from your dog. Moreover, they’ll help ensure your pooch remains engaged during your training sessions, and healthy over the long run. On the other hand, the wrong treats can have the opposite effect, especially when given in excess.

Below, we’ll provide an overview of the different types of treats you can offer your canine. You’ll discover that some work better than others, depending on the circumstances and your goals.

Crunchy Versus Soft Treats

Some are hard and crunchy; others are soft and pliable. Treats of both varieties are available in different flavors and sizes. Generally, smaller is better because they are less likely to become stuck in your dog’s throat.

When you’re training your pooch, it’s a good idea to use softer treats. The hard and crunchy variety tends to break apart, which will distract your canine while he tries to clean up the pieces. Any distraction is an obstacle during training.

Treats That Taste Like People Food

There are many dog treats that are formulated to taste like foods normally eaten by people. For example, some taste like liver while others are reminiscent of seafood and various meats. While these morsels are effective for training purposes, a lot of owners mistakenly believe they are always preferred by canines. In reality, it depends on the dog. Some canines will enjoy them; some won’t. The only way to know whether your pooch likes these types of treats is to offer them and note his reaction.

Good For Oral Health

Some dog treats are designed to promote good oral health. They require a lot of chewing, which helps to keep your pooch’s teeth and gums clean. The problem is, if they’re swallowed, the wrong size can cause choking or problems in your canine’s GI tract.

If you’re going to give him treats that are meant to promote dental health, make sure they are the right size for him. Then, avoid letting him chew them unsupervised.

Table Scraps And Other People Food

First, some types of table scraps can be beneficial to your canine. For example, small pieces of lean meats and seafood carry nutritional value. The danger is that there are plenty of foods that can make your dog sick. Grapes, chocolate, onions, and macadamia nuts are all potentially harmful to your pooch. Plus, veterinarians suggest the quickest path to canine obesity is through table scraps because there are far more calories contained in them than in treats.

The takeaway with table scraps is this: they can be good for your dog’s health. However, owners can do plenty of harm if they’re unaware regarding the types of foods their canines should avoid.

An Indispensable Training Tool

One of the most compelling reasons to provide your dog with treats is to influence his behavior in a way that conforms with your wishes. In fact, most professional trainers extol the benefits of using food as a positive reinforcement tool.

When you purchase treats for your pooch, make sure they have similar ingredients to those you’ll find in commercial dog foods. Commercial brands are already formulated to deliver the vitamins and nutrients your canine needs. Don’t make the common mistake of providing him with certain treats just because the flavors appeal to you. Your pooch is bound to have different tastes. Let him decide the flavors he enjoys.

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