Each week during National Pet Month, we asking one of our students to share their top tips for responsible pet ownership. To kick start us, Level 3 Dog Grooming student, Jake, shares his Top Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership:
Top ten tips for looking after dogs
- Have the time to look after the dog: you need to have the time to exercise them and give them the attention they need – they need more time than you think!
- Be aware of the financial impact they can have: veterinary bills, food and equipment can be expensive
- Make sure the environment is right for your breed: do you need a garden? How long should their walks be?
- Make sure they have the correct diet: do they need puppy food, senior food, or do they have any specific dietary needs due to health conditions?
- Ensure that you know the animal’s temperament: can they live with or without other animals or children for example, are you adopting a dog that is not good with cats?
- Make sure the dog can exhibit normal behaviour patterns: a working dog may need more exercise, whereas a toy or utility dog would need less exercise
- Make sure you do a lot of research on the breed to make sure it fits your lifestyle.
- Keep the dog free from pain, suffering, injury, and disease by making sure it is vaccinated and has up to date flea and wormer treatments.
- Have different enrichment for your dog, depending on breed: tug of war ropes, scatter feeding, Kongs, balls. etc.
- Consider its grooming requirements: Not every dog will need to be professionally groomed but check the breed and make sure that your dog is brushed regularly to make sure they are not matted, and keep the dog clean through bathing with dog shampoo or taking to a groomer.
During National Pet Month our students are also raising money for StreetVet – we will bring you details of activities that they are organising and taking part in in due course. StreetVet is a charity that provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. It is a wonderful cause because it not only helps ensure the health and wellbeing of these pets but also brings comfort and companionship to their owners during challenging times. You can learn more about their incredible work and donate to the cause here.
Happy National Pet Month!