Choosing an Adult Dog
For some people, adult dogs may be a better choice. Older dogs are typically
less destructive – no more chewing on your furniture – and they’ve usually
already gone through the potty-training process. Adult dogs make great
companions and are the perfect choice for someone who lacks the time required to
train a new puppy properly.
But even though adult dogs are somewhat easier to care for, they still require
the same love and attention. If you decide to purchase an older dog, be ready to
spend some time getting to know your new pet. In addition to housebreaking, your
dog may have received other training and likely has a set routine. Placing this
dog in a new environment and introducing new schedules or expectations is
stressful for the dog, regardless of age. Your dog may have a few “accidents” as
he tries to deal with the stress of his new home. Make this transition time as
easy as possible for your new dog by giving him lots of encouragement and
comfort. Be patient as he learns the new rules and allow for an adjustment
period to his new surroundings.
With just a little patience and care, you can create a safe and comforting home
for your new dog.
Your Dog’s Health
To keep your dog healthy and happy, you’ll need to pay careful attention to his
nutritional needs.
Just like people, nutritional needs can vary from dog to dog. Puppies for
example, require more protein than an adult dog while older dogs might require
foods that address a lower metabolism or prevent wear and tear on joint
cartilage. Consult your veterinarian and discuss what types of food would be
best for your dog. Your dog’s age, activity level and current health all affect
his nutritional needs so ask questions to be sure you’re getting the right
foods.
Feeding Your Dog
Immediately after bringing your new dog home, establish a location to keep his
food and water bowls. Once you’ve found a spot, stick to it. Moving your dog’s
feeding dishes around the house will confuse and frustrate your dog.
It’s important to make sure your dog has clean, sturdy feeding dishes at all
times. Pooch Canada carries a variety of pet feeders and bowls.
Vitamins
In addition to proper nutrition, your dog also needs additional supplements to
improve his health and help prevent disease.
Our dog supplements are a great way to provide a balanced mix of essential
vitamins and minerals to help your dog stay healthy and happy. Our Brewer’s
Yeast with Garlic provides proteins, biotin and zinc, essential for healthy skin
and coat. We also carry supplements formulated specifically for senior dogs.
Dog Treats and Chews
Not only does your dog love treats and chews, many are essential to optimal
dental health.
Want to give your dog a treat or chew?
Believe it or not, some are better than others. Pooch Canada carries a wide
selection of dog treats and chews to suit dogs of all sizes and ages. Another
great reason to keep chews and treats around the house is to use as a reward
when training.
Dog learns quickly and a small treat for proper performance is a great way to
encourage good behavior.
Grooming
Proper grooming and bathing are essential for a
healthy and shiny coat. Dogs of all ages require regular grooming to stimulate
the natural oils and remove dead skin and hair.
Unfortunately, many new dog owners find the large selection of grooming tools
and aides to be overwhelming. What kind of brush should I buy? Which brand of
shampoo is best? Using the wrong tools can be just as ineffective as no grooming
at all so it’s important to learn which products are best suited for your dog.
Dogs with long-hair coats for example, will benefit from a long-pin style brush
that features nickel-plated steel pins embedded within the rubber base. Our
ball-tip bristle brushes are wonderful for dogs with sensitive skin and we also
carry a selection of bristle brushes for shorter-haired dogs.
In addition to basic brushing, sometimes a little extra effort is required to
maintain a healthy coat. Dog hair can sometimes become matted and, if left
unchecked these tangled hair masses are perfect hiding spots for fleas, ticks
and other pests and parasites. Simple mats can often be removed with a little
patience and a comb. To remove unruly matted hair, you’ll need a dematter tool.
Our T-Shaped Dematting Knife from gives you maximum control while
maintaining natural coat length.
