September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month!
Greetings Center City, Philadelphia, Main Line, and South Jersey friends! September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month so it is a perfect time to review some tips on living responsibly with your dog:
- Follow Leash Laws! No matter how well-behaved your pet is, it is important to follow the leash laws where you live and at parks you visit. This is for the safety of your dog, other dogs, and people. Remember to regularly check your leash and collar/harness for signs of wear to prevent your dog from slipping away.
- Vaccinate. Make sure your dog is up to date on required vaccinations and keep a record handy.
- Yearly Check-Ups. Don’t forget to schedule a regular check-up to keep your dog healthy.
- Prevent Disease. Depending on where you live and where you take your dog for walks/hikes, your dog could be at risk for diseases like heartworm and Lyme disease. Consult with your vet on prevention and how to keep your dog safe from fleas and ticks.
- Stimulate Your Dog! Your dog requires regular exercise and games to stimulate its mind and body for a fulfilling life. A dog that gets regular stimulation is a better-behaved dog. So go play, take walks, and provide puzzles. It will strengthen the bond with your dog.
- Be Consistent with House Rules. All members of the household should follow the same house rules for the dog to behave consistently. Consistency is key to being a responsible pet owner. Make sure children have rules for interacting responsibly with the dog.
- Feed Your Dog a Healthy Diet. Your vet or breeder can recommend food that is best for your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Always remember to keep fresh, clean water available. Wash food and water bowls regularly.
- Make Sure Your Dog Has ID. Attach ID tags to your dog’s collar/harness with the name of your dog and a phone number to reach you. It is best for all dogs to be microchipped as well in the event they slip their collar/harness and get loose. Following this tip can make the difference in being reunited with your dog.
- Keep Your Dog Groomed. Depending on the breed, some dogs require daily brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding while others need just a quick brushing every week. Make sure to keep nails clipped. If you are bathing your own dog, use a shampoo meant for dogs. If you find it hard to keep up on these tasks, find a reputable groomer for your dog.
- Look Into Pet Insurance. If you don’t already have pet insurance, it is a good investment for your canine partner’s health and your wallet.
- Socialize Your Dog. Expose them to different settings and people regularly. Reward them for remaining calm around strangers and other animals.
- Designate an Emergency Contact. Get a friend or family member, someone your dog knows, to be the emergency contact to care for your dog in the event of an accident or illness. Have a list of care instructions prepared and accessible.
- Train. Train. Train. No matter how old your dog is, there is always something to learn. Reach out to a qualified trainer to help you shape the dog of your dreams and create a lasting bond.
- Know When to Let Go. Whether due to illness or age, if your dog’s quality of life is severely compromised, arrange to end their life humanely and remain with them until they cross the Rainbow Bridge.