By M. Bruno

Whether you and your new dog have come together as a result of a dog adoption, dog rescue or other means, one thing is certain…you must take the best care possible of your dog to assure the dog’s health and a long and rewarding life together.

Your new dog will need time to adjust to his new home and family. He just left a kennel or shelter where there were strange sounds and people.. Now he is in a new place with another set of new people and an environment that he needs to get comfortable in. He’ll want to explore. He’ll want to get to know his new home.. He’ll probably have some accidents as he gets to know his surroundings and will chew a few things. Keep on eye on him but expect this to happen. It’s all common during the adjustment period.

Here’s a few tips on dog care to get you started:

• Make sure your dog has been micro-chipped . This is a simple little device injected under the skin and will help identify your new adopted dog in case the dog ever gets lost and is brought to a dog shelter or dog rescue.

1. Another important accessory is a soft dog collar with an id tag attached. The id tag should have your name and a current phone number that you can be reached at in the event someone finds your newly adopted dog after a doggy adventure. Many careful dog guardians have discovered that their pal has slipped out a door, through a fence or run out to play only to get lost. Proper identification will enhance the probability of a quick and safe return home.

• Make sure you keep your dog on a leash at all times when you go for a walk . This will protect your dog from potential dangers such as cars and other dogs. It also will help you control your dog and protect her in the event the dog becomes excited at the site of other dogs or people.

• Spay or Neuter your Dog- Spaying and neutering is a very basic procedure that will help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Spayed or neutered fogs have fewer behavioral issues such as aggression . And finally, spaying and neutering helps control the exploding dog population. This will reduce the stress on overpopulated dog shelters and help reduce the number of unwanted dogs that are euthanized annually.

• Choose the Perfect Veterinarian- Your adopted dog should receive regular vet checkups as a preventative medicine function and to treat any problems that may arise. Certain vaccinations are required by law such as one for rabies. When you choose a vet, ask the doctor what his/her philosophy is as to vaccinations, nutrition and general treatment protocols. One you select the vet that you feel is best for your dog, you will be started on a lifelong relationship for good canine health.

• Feed a high quality dog food.-There are a number of different philosophies on the best type of food to feed your adopted dog. Some believe that dogs should eat RAW food as they would in the wild. Others believe that kibble is the best way to go. Yet others decide to cook meats, veggies and rice as a diet. Talk with your vet as to what is best for your dog nutritionally and as to quantity and frequency of feedings. If you choose a commercial dog food make sure that it is not mostly filler. You can determine this by looking at the first agreements on the package. When you see grains and by products mentioned and the price is a bargain…leave it behind. Your adopted dog needs a nutritionally based diet that will help keep him healthy, not junk food. When in doubt, ask your vet.

• Make sure your adopted dog is licensed. You will need to province proof of vaccinations and should get an id tag. Your vet, the local dog shelter or dog rescue can provide you with information.

• Make sure your adopted dog has a warm place to live in the winter and cool place in the summer. Your dog should always have access to fresh water. I don’t support the idea of “outdoor” dogs. Dogs enjoy playing in the yard but should have a safe and comfortable place to rest . And never under any circumstance chain your dog and leave her unattended. Your dog wants to be with you and share your time and space. Having a companion is why you brought your dog home in the first place, isn’t it?

• Exercise your dog with frequent walks and play. Both you and your dog will benefit from the exercise, making your relationship stronger . Walk your dog at least 2 times a day. Exercise and meeting other folks along the way with friendly dogs will also help you to socialize your dog. Ask your vet how much exercise your dog should receive.

• Join a dog training class. Many places offer group lessons on basic behavior and socialization. This is a wonderful and inexpensive opportunity for you and your new adopted dog to develop a solid foundation.

• Be a Pal to Your Dog- Dog behavior and care can at times be frustrating. But almost any situation can be resolved with a little information and help. Don’t approach your new adopted dog with rapid hand movements at his face. He will be scared and his reaction may be unexpected including fear or aggressive behavior as a defense mechanism. When you have a question or don’t know what to do next, consult with your veterinarian, dog trainers and dog rescue folks who have probably seen the exact same situation countless times. Your adopted dog is now a member of your family and is counting on you to be a guardian and a pal.

Dogs 4 Life offers news, information and resources on dog adoption, dog rescue, dog food nutrition and dog care at http://www.dogs-4life.com This article may be reproduced unedited and provided the hyperlink to the author’s site is displayed with the article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno

Labels: Dog Adoption, Take Care a Dog

By Anna Hart

Imagine seeing this entry at an online dating site: “Avid swimmer, EBLD seeking lifetime relationship. Must haves: long runs in the park; exciting games of ball or Frisbee; constant attention. Must not haves: someone who’s too busy for me; someone who’ll put me in the doghouse.”

Who is EBLD? An Energetic Black Lab Dog! If you’re thinking of getting one, you’re going to want to know how to take care of a black Lab dog. And if you think you can take care of a black lab dog with little time, think again. This dog belongs with owners that are willing to spend time with and for it.

Attention

The most important factor in the care of a black Lab is attention. A black Lab will do without a lot of things, but it will not do without attention. A black Lab simply will not be ignored.

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most lovable, even-tempered dogs there is. He wants to share his immense supply of love with his owners, and can’t imagine they won’t take time to reciprocate.

Labrador Retrievers are also highly intelligent dogs. They can quickly sense reluctance on their owners’ part to spend time with them. They are eager to please, and use their intelligence to please you. In return, your care of a black Lab must include plenty of energetic play, and intelligent interaction.

Microchip

It is not essential to the care of a black Lab to have a microchip inserted, but it does provide a level of protection if your retriever strays.

Exercise

To provide good care of a black Lab, you will need to give it regular, daily exercise in large doses. Plan on 30 to 60 minutes daily as a minimum. Your black Lab will love to have 30 minutes morning and evening if possible.

Exercise should be varied. Include walks, on or off leash. Work in games of fetch (to allow you to breathe while he races!). Incorporate obedience or hunting training into your care of a black Lab and he will be able to exercise his intelligence, too.

Be sure the exercise is regular, as your black Lab’s boundless energy must find an outlet. If the outlet is not exercise, it may be destructive behavior.

Preventative Care

You should not limit your care of a black Lab to its present needs. You can forestall certain medical concerns, such as hip dysphasia, by giving the Labrador preventative care. Begin preventative care of a black Labrador when you first get the dog. First, check with the breeder to be sure the puppy’s parents are free of genetic problems. The puppy should have had its first shots and worming. Take it to a veterinarian for a check-up, and continue to take it for “wellness” visits.

Maintain preventative health care of a black lab by having your vet include, minimally: checks for external and internal parasites, inoculations, and heart worm preventative.

Food

The cook involved in the care of a black Lab must consider several things.

1. Black Labrador Retrievers will eat almost anything – think goat! To take care of a Black Lab, you need to guard against it eating junk.

2. The best food to give when taking care of a black Lab is real food. Give it real meat, raw or cooked: beef, chicken, and turkey. Give it fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Mix in brown rice and oatmeal for fiber, eggs and yogurt. Commercial dog foods, unknown before 1930, seem to exist as an outlet for rejected grains and meats that could not be sold to humans.

3. Watch your Labrador’s intake. If you really want to take proper care of a black Lab, you will not let it become overweight, risking heart disease, arthritis, and other health problems.

Grooming

You won’t need a professional groomer to take care of a Black Lab’s coat, but you should not assume the dog needs no grooming. Black Labradors shed a lot in spring and autumn, but they need to be groomed year-round.

To take proper care of a black Lab’s coat, you will need a narrow-toothed comb, short-haired rake, toenail clippers, wide-toothed comb, and a wire slicker brush. A bristle brush is nice for distributing oils when your Lab is not shedding.

Proper care of a black Lab will require daily grooming during seasonal blowing of the coat. The job is not nearly as large if done daily, and the sooner you remove dead hair, the sooner new hair can grow. Use the short-haired rake first, to rake out dead hairs. Use the wire slicker brush to get what the rake missed. Use the wide-toothed comb lightly to loosen matted hairs. The next step proves how intent you are on proper care of a black Lab. Go over the entire dog carefully with your narrow-toothed comb! Finish the job with your bristle brush to catch loose hairs.

Aside from spring and autumn’s major shedding periods, your Retriever will need to be brushed twice a week. Cut its toenails once every month to avoid foot problems.

©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about the care of a Black Labrador Retriever at http://www.lovablelabradors.com Anna has posted additional information on that site about Labrador Retrievers of all colors. If you ever wondered about black and white labs, you’ll enjoy Anna’s perspective on the subject.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart

Labels: Take Care a Dog