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General Dog Care
Most species of dog require some basic tasks to be done for them; this is because - unlike the wolf, dogs have been bred in captivity. So, what does the average dog need you may ask. The answer is never foolproof as many dogs have conditions or preferences that affect the way you are able to handle them, but in this guide I will outline some of the main methods needed to keep your dog healthy.
Any vet, seasoned dog trainer, or experienced owner will tell you that dogs need regular brushing. This is mainly due to the fact that un-brushed dogs have dead hair weighing them down and making them hotter than they should be. Hair falls out to cope with heat; if it's all still there your dog will develop health problems.
Another thing you should keep in mind is that most dogs have a large amount of fur, so if you leave them in a car on a hot day, the heat will aggravate, and maybe even kill the animal.
Sunlight is however; very good for dogs, it helps them to relax and many of the shorthair breeds (mainly greyhounds) appear to genuinely enjoy the heat that the sun produces. In addition to this don't forget that dogs can get sunburnt which, just like humans - can be agonising.
Probably the most important factor in both the lifespan and mood of a dog is whether or not it receives adequate exercise. Dogs are playful by nature and love to chase fast moving objects or generally just run around. As a dog gets older it may require more encouragement to do these things, you should also take care not to over exercise your pet, as this could lead to joint problems later in life.
As well as following these basic guidelines, you should also talk to other dog owners. Most people find that they can learn from the experience of others, and it is generally the best way to go about it.
Vets like human doctors will have a specialty. Whether in dogs, cats, reptiles, small mammels... You'll obviously want a vet that operates on your pet type.
Many problems in pets can be overted by proper nutrition, exercise and attention. Don't buy cheap pet food, litter and toys as they can cause problems down the road. The little bit more you spend now on quality resources for your pet will save thousands down the road then they start to age.
If you're unsure of what to buy you can search online communities and reviews for what kind of food and treats to buy to optimize their health and happiness. One tip is to never feed your pet human food. Human food is full of fat, sugar and processed chemicals that are not good for them. Quality canned meats and freah meat is ok in certain circumstances. Veterinarians can help you decide what is best too!
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