The Basics of Dog Care (Part Two)

Welcome back to part two in our series of blogs discussing the basics of dog care. At Acoma Animal Clinic, we want to be your go-to destination for veterinarian care here in Tucson. We are so passionate about animals, and we love sharing that passion with others. In our last posting, we discussed the importance of proper diet and regular vet visits. Today, we will talk about exercise, affection, and grooming.
Exercise
Proper diet is just one aspect of pet health. You also need to make sure they are getting plenty of exercise! The best type of exercise to give them will depend on the type of dog you have. Some breeds loving nothing more than going on long, 30 minute walks while others prefer a vigorous game of fetch. Get to know your dog and discover what they love to do! Exercise will also help with behavior as a dog with excess will be prone to digging, scratch and causing general mischief.
Affection
This one comes easily to us. SHOWER your little pup with affection and they will return it tenfold. Play with them, pet them and treat them with the respect they deserve. Make sure they have all the comforts the need like a place to sleep and access to the outdoors. Be aware though, some dogs are more temperature sensitive than others. This is a particularly important consideration here in the desert during the summer.
Grooming
As with exercise, different breeds of dogs will have different grooming needs. Most dogs love to be brushed regularly, which will help combat excessive shedding and keep their hair from becoming noted and tangled. Keep their nails trimmed as well. They may turn into squirmy, unhappy little furballs while you are giving them a trim, but they will thank you later. Last but not least, make sure they receive regular baths!