If you've recently added a dog to your family or are thinking about getting one, you'll probably be wondering what you need to do to make sure that you're looking after them as best you can. After all, pets are part of the family, and when you get one you're taking on a big responsibility. You need to ensure that you're doing what you can to keep them happy and healthy!
Collar
Not only do they look cute, but dog collars are practical too and a must- buy for your new dog. It's actually a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar with a tag that displays your details on- along with microchipping it helps lost dogs to be reunited with their owners. You'll need a collar to clip on their lead for walks, and also to display their tag. Always go with a good quality collar, if it snaps while you're out and about it could be incredibly dangerous to your dog. If it broke near a road, train track or other busy area, it's hard to even consider what could happen. Your dog's collar needs to be the right size, you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and their neck. That way, it won't be constricting them, but it won't slip off either.
Food Bowls
Some dogs can be a little fussy with food bowls, which is something you might not have considered if you've never owned a dog before. If you find that your pooch is leaving their food (even though you've tried different brands) it could be worth trying new bowls. Some don't like the reflection in stainless steel bowls, and others don't like the sound that some bowls can make when they slide across the floor. Again, choose food bowls based on your dogs size. Too big and you might end up overfeeding them, too small and you'll constantly be refilling their food and water.
Brush
Most dogs will require some basic grooming so you will need to spend some time each week or fortnight brushing them through to remove loose hair. However, certain breeds will need regular trimming and it's often best done by a professional groomer. Left uncut it can become matted and knotted, pulling on the skin and feeling uncomfortable. Before you get your dog, do some research into the breed and what kind of grooming they'll require.
