PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS
1. Always feed your dog with a kind of food that corresponds to its age and life-style. Never give your dog scraps from the table or leftovers, because these could make it particular and fat. Special food for dogs has been developed, free of bacteria and poisonous substances, and containing all necessary elements for the complete nutrition of your dog.
2. If you feel the need to substitute your present brand of dog food with another, act as follows:
- start with replacing a small amount of the present food with the new food;
- increase the amount of the new food daily;
- at the end of the seventh day the old food must be completely replaced by the new food.
When changing the food as described before, you will prevent diarrhoea problems.
3. For pups under two months old, it is better to soak the dry food, until the pub enjoys chewing it. For this reason, the dry dog food should not be too big. At the age of two months the pups need four to five small meals per day. When they are three months young, they are given three feedings per day. By the time they reach one year, they are only fed twice per day. Although pups need large amounts of food in proportion to their size, their stomach is still small and they should not be overfed per meal.
4. It is of course nice to give the adult animals in between meals, for instance when you have your tea, a small goodie or snack, but beware, and give it as much as possible snacks that relate to real dog food: therefore no cake, cookies, sweets, or bits of meat. If too much ‘wrong’ food is given, it ousts the ‘real’ food, and that can cause problems.
5. For older animals it is recommended to mix the food with some lukewarm water. The warmth reveals the smell of the food better and makes that the kidneys are rinsed more thoroughly. The latter is important because older animals often have a somewhat reduced kidney function. By making that more moisture passes the kidneys, the waste products are drained away more efficiently.
6.The chunks are ready to be eaten. When you keep in mind that the dog must be presented a well-balanced menu, there is no reason why you should not mix different types of food, such as dry food with a small amount of pasty or canned food. Dogs consider this very tasty!
7. The daily portion of food that you should give your dog is stated on the packing. This is only a guideline; however, the amount that you feed your dog depends on its activity, race, gender, etc.
8. Always supply sufficient fresh drinking water. When growing older, the lactose production of dogs decreases; the lactose is not digested any longer, and works as a laxative. This can be remedied by giving your dog milk (or dairy products) starting from its puppy-age, making that the body continues producing lactose.
9. For medium-sized and larger breeds it is better to place the food bowl and the drinking tray on a special feeding rack. In this way, the dog can eat or drink without heavy bending efforts that could have a negative effect on its shoulders, neck, and paws.
10. Do never react with impulsive punishments when your dog suddenly shows an untidy behaviour. Pushing its nose in its poop or pee is sheer cruelty to the animal. In first instance, try to find the cause. Then the attitude of the boss – and as a result that of the dog as well – must change.
11. Give your dog something to chew on. This will not only distract it from chewing your own things, such as your furniture, but it also keeps the teeth of the dog clean and strengthens its gums.
12. Give your dog a toy to play with and spend some time with your dog yourself.
13. Do not leave your puppy or young dog without supervision. It is far better to bring the dog to a good carer while you are away.
14. Give your dog its own permanent place at home.
15. If your dog pulls strongly at its lead when you walk it, it is better to use a dog harness in stead of a leash.
16. During periods of cold weather, it is a good idea to dress your dog in a body warmer.
MY DOG IS THE BEST!, AND ONLY THE BEST FOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR HIM, AND THAT IS KENNELS' FAVOURITE!