Having a dog can be a totally life changing experience, as their companionship can bring you so much happiness and joy. It’s fair to say that you’ll want to repay your dogs affections by taking care of them in the best possible way, but where on earth can you start? 

Fortunately, this guide contains some of the most important steps that you need to follow if you want to look after your dog properly. So, if you want your pup to stay as healthy and as happy as they can be, then check below to discover more! 

Feed Them A Quality Diet

A vital aspect of your dog's day is dinner time, as you need to be able to ensure that they can eat a healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately it’s so easy to just grab the cheapest canned food option from the supermarket shelf, but it’s more than likely that this choice will be made up of the lowest quality ingredients that provide little benefit whatsoever. 

When you can take your dog's diet a little more seriously, they are going to have a much better chance of leading a long and comfortable life. It’s fair to say that avoiding artificial foods can reduce the risk of illnesses like cancer occurring, so it’s certainly a step worth considering. There are so many fresh pet food options on the market today, even those which are kept inside the fridge, so take some time to research each choice and make an informed decision on which one is most suited to your pup. 

If you want to maintain total peace of mind about the food that your dog eats, then you may wish to consider making your own puppy-friendly dinners from scratch at home. There are hundreds of recipes online that you can utilise, most of which are based around grains, meat, fruit and vegetables so that they are totally packed with all of the best vitamins and minerals. Making your own dog food at home will be really beneficial for your pup if they have any allergies or sensitivities, as you can track the ingredients to make sure every dish is gentle on their tummy. 

Perform Regular Grooming 

You need to take part in regular grooming to keep your dog clean and healthy, otherwise they risk experiencing discomfort, distress and potentially even disease. Although it will depend on the breed of your dog, you should be aiming to wash them at least once a month, or maybe more, if you want to stand any chance of keeping them clean and fresh. 

If you don’t have the time, space or facilities to wash your dog yourself, then you cannot just simply ignore your responsibilities - instead, just take them to a professional groomer! If you do want to master the art of dog grooming on your own, then you’re in luck - it can be so easy when you have the right tools and equipment for the task at hand.

Begin by finding a quality shampoo that suits their fur type; this might be a shed control blend, a sensitive formula for dry skin, or even a highly scented conditioner that will leave your pup smelling delicious. It’s also a good idea to buy a few handy tools, such as some dog clippers to trim any long or matted fur, and nail trimmers to cut down their claws. 

It can be extremely beneficial to read some reviews that have been left by previous customers on the dog grooming products you buy. This way, you can see just how good a product is before you decide to invest. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself in the bathroom with your dog covered in water, but your shampoo won’t lather and your clippers keep cutting out! 

Make sure your dog is totally dry once you’ve finished bathing them, especially during the winter max as wet dogs often smell quite foul and it can make them sick to be damp and exposed to cold. Keeping your pup clean and fresh will aid them in feeling comfortable and calm for the foreseeable future, and they are sure to repay you with endless affection for the effort that you put in! When you take the time to keep your dog clean you can also stand a better chance of keeping your house clean too - what’s not to love?! 

Learning how to take great care of your dog has never been such a simple task when you can follow the brilliantly effective steps detailed above!