Caring For A Service Dog: How It Differs From An Ordinary Canine Companion
Welcoming a new dog in your life is a ginormous responsibility, but when you need a service animal, it can be an even bigger deal. Despite the fact that you need the dog to help you, he's going to need some extra attention, too.
Getting His Shots, Check-Ups And Health Certificates
Because you're taking your pooch to more places than other dog owners, he needs to be up-to-date on all mandatory shots, and you need to be able to prove this. Especially if you're living in an apartment complex, others may question whether your dynamic dog has a clean bill of health and if it's a risk to anyone else, human or animal. Such concerns are easily squelched when you bring your dog to the vet on schedule, and you can prove this. Keep his tags on his collar at all times, indicating his name, vet, and vaccination status.
Keeping Up With His Grooming Standards
Even with their superhero status, service dogs need regular grooming, including having their nails trimmed. Unless you really know how to trim a dog's nails, you should leave that task for your vet, as clipping too close to the quick can result in dangerous bleeding. Your dog should also be bathed and treated for fleas and ticks, preemptively or otherwise, and this, too, is best performed by a professional. Your vet might offer complete grooming services, but if not, they'll gladly refer you to a trusted place that does.
It's also fashionable, as well as practical, to dress your dog in a service animal vest, which will likely be brightly colored and will clearly indicate to the world that he's received special training to help you with special tasks.
Cleaning Up After His Bathroom Breaks
Having a service dog doesn't mean not having to clean up after him, especially if he's out in public places. You, or someone with you, is responsible for any mess your dog makes. Invest in a long-handled pooper scooper to make cleaning up easier, but if your dog seems to be having control issues or is going more often than you think he should, be sure and contact your vet. Dogs can develop intestinal and digestive issues just like people, with service animals being no exception.
Socializing Your Service Dog With People And Other Animals
Your service dog may require training updates periodically, depending on his particular skill set; however, in the meantime, it's important that he be kept familiar with people, other animals, and even busy surroundings, so he's always on his best behavior. While you don't want people and other dogs harassing your animal, you should let your pooch sniff and be patted enough to keep him adequately socialized. If ever you're skeptical about his social demeanor, contact your vet, or if applicable, the professional trainer who worked with your dog prior to your ownership (of him).
Life is different for service dog owners, but even after going through all the extra steps, you should be much better off. They provide all kinds of assistance to humans, along with invaluable affection and loyalty. Maintain a close relationship with your veterinarian to ensure your helpful hound is in great shape and always compliant with the standards of service animals.
For more information, contact a veterinarian, like those represented at http://www.murrellsinletvethospital.com.
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