Okay so dog care from puppy to senior has been my whole world for like the last ten years and im still figuring it out honestly. Im sitting here in my messy Midwest living room right now with leaves blowing against the window and my old guy snoring on the couch beside me its kinda perfect but also makes me tear up sometimes. Puppy care tips stock pee pads even if u hate the smell and just accept no sleep for awhile its not forever I promise (well mostly).
Creative Ways to Adapt Your Home for Your Senior Dog | PetGuide
The Crazy Teenage Phase Dog Care Gets Real
Like 6 months to 2 years old thats when they think they rule the house my boy started digging holes in the backyard like it was his job and counter surfing for snacks. Dog care here means setting rules fast or youll lose.
I tried only positive stuff at first and ended up with a dog who ignored me completely switched to mix of clicker and firm no and it worked better anyway. Walks every day or zoomies at 1am no thanks.
Food wise went to adult kibble around year one but once I bought the cheap stuff he had diarrhea for days never again.
Adult Dog Care The Chill But Not Really Phase
This is when dog care feels kinda normal they settle but then health things start popping up. Yearly checkups dental cleanings my guy hates the tooth brushing so I bribe with cheese every time.
We do hikes at the state park nearby or fetch till my arm dies. Got lazy one snowy winter and he put on weight felt so guilty watching him pant on short walks.
For more on that stuff the AKC site is solid check it American Kennel Club Dog Health.
Senior Dog Health The Tough Heart Part
Now hes 12 gray face slower steps dog care changes a ton. Arthritis pills from vet softer bed ramps for the couch cuz jumping hurts.
Senior food with joint help glucosamine chews vet said after he started limping. Walks shorter but more often around the block is enough now.
The sad bits watching him sleep all day or groan standing up I straight up bawled last month when he didnt run to the door. But that tail still wags and he leans in for pets like nothing changed.
3 Essential Tips for Welcoming a Senior Dog Into Your Home | PetGuide
Dont skip vet visits caught a lump early last year good thing. ASPCA has good senior pet tips too ASPCA Senior Pet Care.
Wrapping This All Up Kinda
Dog care from puppy to senior aint perfect ive messed up alot like forgetting flea meds one summer and boom ticks nightmare. But every slobbery kiss and tail thump makes it worth the fur on my clothes and the way I talk to him more than actual humans some days.
Thats my real life right now in the states with the crunchy leaves and backyard bbqs and constant vet bills. If your dogs at any stage drop a comment whats your biggest oops or hows your pup doing we can totally chat about it.
