Adopting a pet is one of the most beautiful things you can do, but taking care of it is not that simple. Besides the maintenance costs, your pet needs lots of love and attention as well, because they are just like little kids. The lack of time is one of the reasons why humans abandon their animals. 

So, read on to find out more about the things that your furry friend should do every single day!

Eating the right quantity of food

When you decide to adopt a dog you have to take into consideration the right quantity of food that it needs every day and try to find out if it may be allergic to any ingredient. Of course, the best way to find this out is to contact a veterinarian because they will help you with any information you need. The important factors to consider when choosing the optimum amount of food are breed, size, life stage, activity level, food tolerance and body type.

“For example, puppies should be fed more frequently than adult pets as dogs tend to need (and want) to eat less often as they get older. Consult with your veterinarian who can advise on the best diet for your pet that meets their individual nutritional requirements and is appropriate for their life stage,” said Carl Winch, DVM, a veterinarian for Banfield Pet Hospital.

Drinking enough water

Your dog should drink enough water every day to stay hydrated and for better digestion, just like humans. So, you have to make sure that your beloved furry friend has a bowl with fresh water and if it doesn’t drink you can determine it by increasing their level of activities. 

“As a general rule of thumb, dogs should consume one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, and additional water intake may be required on excessively hot days or after excessive exercise,” says Johnna Devereaux, a certified pet nutritionist and director of nutrition and wellness for Bow Wow Labs.

Well, all you have to do is to check its bowl frequently and when you go outside it is important to get a travel dog bowl for refilling it with water. Whether we talk about spending time with your dog indoors or outdoors, it is essential to have a container for water to keep it hydrated. 

“If you find that your pet is drinking more [or less] than usual, having them examined by your veterinarian is recommended as this can be a sign of underlying conditions,” Winch explained.

Pay attention to the frequency of urination

The frequency of urination depends on the amount of water they consume and the quality of food as well. For instance, if your dog drinks a lot of water in a day they will urinate often and this theory also applies to animals that eat salty food because foods higher in salt can increase the amount of urine.

Nevertheless, some animal experts say that your lovely animal should urinate up to five times a day. In addition, if you notice something strange in your dog’s behavior, such as an increase or decrease in urinary process or blood in urine it is essential to call your veterinarian! 

“Since all dogs will have different habits for urination, it’s helpful for a pet owner to know what is considered normal behavior for the individual pet, and to speak with their veterinarian if they see any changes,” says Winch.

Pay attention to the number of times your dog poops

As I said before about urination, likewise, the number of times your dog poops depends on the quality and quantity of food. Many animal experts say that your adorable creature should poop one to two times a day.

For example, if you feed your dog with high nutrient foods, their body will absorb those nutritional values and there will be less food waste. But if the quality of food is inferior, the frequency of pooping will increase. However, if you see blood in your dog’s feces you should call the veterinarian!

“In general, the number of times your dog poops should remain relatively constant, as should the consistency of their stool. If you are seeing a sudden increase in defecation, a change in the consistency, or if your pet goes longer than 24 hours without defecating or is showing signs of straining, then an examination by your veterinarian is recommended,” says Winch.

It is important to maintain its oral health 

As you already know the oral hygiene of your dog is extremely important. You can brush their teeth daily but only if your furry friend resists brushing, otherwise you can opt for dental chews. These dental chews can reduce bacteria and other issues. 

“Without a routine dental care regiment, dogs run the risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease, which often causes gum infection, tooth pain, tooth loss, and malnourishment. Periodontal disease also has the potential to impact heart, liver and kidney function down the line, so daily care is crucial for overall health from tooth to tail,” said Danielle Bernal, DVM, a veterinarian with Whimzeez daily dental chews.

Exercising every day can improve your dog’s overall health

Taking your dog for a walk every day is the best way to prevent obesity and improve its mental health. If your dog reaches a higher weight than normal, then the risk of illness will increase significantly. For instance, obesity in dogs can lead to arthritis, diabetes and different heart diseases. 

“At a minimum, dogs should get 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every single day. If you have an older dog with decreased stamina, an overweight dog trying to lose weight, or a large breed puppy still in its growing stage, it is best to break down the period of exercise into smaller intervals several times per day,” says Devereaux.

You should mentally stimulate your pet every day

One of the most important things that you have to do every day is to find different activities that stimulate the cognitive function of your dog. This way your pet will be more active and more attentive and the level of happiness will increase significantly. For instance, you can teach it some tricks, but if you do not have enough time you can buy a variety of mentally stimulating toys. 

“While all dogs require some form of daily attention, the amount required can vary between dogs. Training classes and daily training exercises are great ways to strengthen bonds with our pets as well as encourage good behaviors,” notes Winch.

Cuddling and showing affection

Cuddling and spending time with your pet is one of the most important things that you have to keep in mind when you decide to adopt an animal because affection helps their mental development.  

“Daily snuggles with pets are a very important way to bond with our animals, and, as long as the animal is open to receive them, the more the merrier. It should be noted that, just like humans, dogs do like to have alone time, as well. If you begin to pet or snuggle your pooch and they get up and walk away, do not restrain them and do not chase them. Let them have their space and try again at a later time,” says Devereaux.

Grooming your dog daily

Another essential thing that you have to do daily is to groom your dog. This habit not only helps to improve the look of your pet but also maintain their overall health. 

“A good brushing reduces shedding, improves circulation, can prevent painful matting, and may help you detect unhealthy parasites like ticks and fleas that can infest your home. Make sure you’re using a high-quality brush that won’t hurt your dog’s sensitive skin. The best brush will depend on your pet’s type and length of fur,” says Dr. Winch.

Sleeping 

According to Devereaux, “In general, it is always important to observe your dog’s daily habits and identify what they are. If you see that your dog who normally sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day is suddenly sleeping for much longer periods of time – and it’s not because you completed a four-hour hike with them – it may be a good idea to schedule a health visit with your veterinarian.”