While life can be busy with work and family commitments, caring for your dog is something that you can’t just forget about for a few days. But of course, if you love your dog then you want to do everything in your power to ensure they are happy, clean, and healthy. For example, when it comes to your pet, it is important that you find Dog Grooming services that will work for your pet and make him or her most comfortable. To give you a few more pointers, we have put together our five top dog care tips to help you be the ultimate pet parent.

Find a Good Vet  

As soon as you welcome your new dog into your home, it’s essential to find a great vet in your local area. A local vet will provide valuable support and address any questions or concerns about your dog’s health. They can offer useful information, such as bernedoodle health tips or advice tailored to the breed of your dog, to help keep them fit and healthy. Be sure to take your dog to the vet right away for a check-up, where they can assess your pet’s health and inform you of any specific care requirements. This ensures you have all the knowledge you need to give your dog the best possible care from the start.

Provide Your Dog with the Right Food

A huge part of being a good pet parent is making sure that your dog gets the food and nutrients it needs. You may just assume that your dog is able to eat any kind of dog food on the shelf, but the type of food they require depends largely on their breed and age. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to dog food, and every dog is different. 

Your vet should be able to assist you with the kind of food your dog requires, and you can also do some research online to find out what food options are available for you. For example, check out this resource from pet supplements company Native Pet. They provide organic supplements to ensure that your dog is receiving all the nutrients it needs. Your dog can benefit from Native Pet’s targeted and functional nutrition in an array of different products, including chews.  Another good option for your pet can be puppy milk.

Get Pet Insurance

Not only is having a dog a big responsibility, but it can also cost you quite a bit of money. From paying for the dog itself to the price of good food, the costs can soon start to add up. Therefore, we would recommend that you get a pet insurance policy in place straightaway. You shouldn’t be afraid to pay a bit more for this policy, as the more it covers, the better it is for your little doggy. 

While this may seem like an additional expenditure when you first get your new canine companion, believe us when we say that you can’t afford to not secure a pet insurance policy. Be sure to compare the different plans out there so that you can find the one best suited to you and your pooch. If you're particularly concerned about your dog developing a particular illness, you can prioritize this during your search and perhaps even search for things like "what is the best pet insurance for cancer cover?" to give yourself peace of mind that your chosen policy will cover the thing(s) you are most worried about.

Give Your Dog a Safe Space

Of course, you want to give your dog cuddles and love at every opportunity. But you should also respect that your dog needs their own space from time to time. For this reason, we would recommend that you create an area of your home that is a safe space for your dog. In this space, you should provide them with a cool and dry area with a large dog bed and blanket along with a water bowl and some toys.

Your dog should feel safe in this area where they can take themselves off for naps during the day. This is also where they can self-soothe if they are faced with any stressful events, such as separation anxiety, thunderstorms or parties at home. If your dog is crate trained, then you could also leave their crate open for them to use whenever needed. 

Walk Your Dog Regularly

It goes without saying that dogs need to be regularly walked, but the amount and duration of those walks will depend on the age and breed of your dog. As a general rule, younger and smaller dogs do not need to be walked as often or for as long as older and bigger dogs. Regular walks provide an array of benefits for your dog including helping them to maintain a healthy weight, preventing boredom, helping their digestive tract and giving them the opportunity to burn excess energy. 

By combining all the tips and tricks above and putting them into action, you can ensure that your furry best friend is always looked after and safe while living a happy, healthy and fulfilled life.