Celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Month with Your Pup!

When it comes to dog ownership, there is much more than just cuddles that makes your furry friend happy. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dog ownership has four major tenets: health, safety, training, and love. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to ensure that your dog has ample amounts of each of these tenets. Check out these tips to make sure your dog is healthy, safe, well-behaved, and loved this September and beyond.

When it comes to health, the number one thing you can do for your dog is to keep up with frequent visits to the vet. The recommendation is that once your dog reaches a year, they should go in for a wellness checkup once a year. Before reaching the one-year mark, you should visit more frequently to get your puppy all the proper vaccines and care they need.

Grooming often is also essential for your pup’s health. Professional grooming visits should happen about every six weeks. Still, in-between visits, it is just as imperative that you brush and wash your dog on your own. Brushing a couple times a week can keep your puppy’s coat silky smooth and giving your dog a bath once a month helps remove dirt and reduce shedding.

Another big part of being a responsible dog owner is ensuring that your pup gets enough exercise. Depending on the breed of your dog, this could vary from daily half-mile walks to long trips to the dog park to run off their energy. Whatever the right exercise plan for your furry friend, just make sure you are keeping up with their need to be active.

Beyond exercise, teaching your dog tricks can be a great way to flex how great of a dog owner you are. Introducing new tricks can help increase your bond with your dog. Working on tricks for a few minutes every day can make a massive difference for your pup. Tricks also allow your dog to show off for guests, which can make you and your doggo extremely happy.

So, as you can see, a lot of work goes into being a responsible dog owner. The effort is great, but the payoff for you and your dog will be far greater. At All Star Grooming, we don’t just care about pampering your pooch. We also want to make sure they are happy, healthy and safe this month and every month after!