Your dog needs your constant care and attention. Leaving it to fend for itself isn't caring for your dog. You have to be the one that takes responsibility and puts in the time to care for your pet and keep your dog healthy. Your dog's health and well-being depend on you. Read on for some dog care tips. 

1. Clip Your Dog's Nails

Your dog's nails need to be clipped to prevent issues such as difficulty walking or a change in gait because the nails are too long. Have your dog's nails trimmed every few months or more often depending on how quickly they grow. If you can hear your dog's nails on the hard floors of your home, they should be trimmed. The nails can also get caught in carpeting or in other fibers and cause them to rip and tear, which can be painful for your dog. Keep your dog's nails trimmed to prevent these and other issues.

2. Brush And Bathe Your Dog

Your dog should be brushed a few times per week, especially if your dog has a lot of fur. If your dog has thick fur, it can mat easily and more than likely has a lot of shed coming off. All of this shedding and matting can cause your dog to be itchy and to scratch, which can eventually lead to hot spots. If you aren't bathing your dog often enough, it can also lead to a lot of dander on your dog's skin. The dander can also cause your dog to itch and scratch. Bathe your dog regularly, or take your dog to a groomer to be groomed more often to be brushed and bathed.

3. Brush Your Dog's Teeth

Brush your dog's teeth weekly to remove plaque buildup and to prevent tooth decay. Your dog's teeth and gums need to be cleaned in order to prevent gingivitis and other health issues. Gum disease can cause issues in other parts of your dog's body, including organs such as the liver, kidneys and heart. Brush your dog's teeth using toothpaste made for canines and use a canine toothbrush. Brush the teeth and the gums, and try your best to get the back teeth if your dog allows. This is something that is going to take time for your dog to get used to, but it is necessary to properly care for your dog. You can also take your dog to the veterinarian for a professional cleaning at least once per year.

If your dog isn't being cared for properly, it may shorten your dog's lifespan and your dog may not be as healthy as it could be. Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular checkups and for vaccinations as needed and talk to the vet about other things you need to do to care for your dog's health.

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