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How To Care For A Beagle

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Although beagles were originally bred to hunt down rabbits, deer, etc. they are also lovely and friendly and have found companions in humans as is rightly so. They are one of the most popular breeds in the world.

Caring for your beagle is really like caring for any other dog breed, with only slight things unique to a beagle. In this article, we have provided both new and old beagle owners with a detailed guide on how to care for their dogs.

How To Care For A Beagle

Below are the ways to care for your beagles;

  1. Feed Your Dog Appropriate Diet and Treats
  2. Regular Exercises
  3. Always Give Your Dog Clean Water
  4. Regular Visits to the Vet
  5. Taking Care of Your Dog’s Teeth
  6. Ensure “Puppy Proofing”

1. Feed Your Dog Appropriate Diet and Treats

Feeding is one of the most essential aspects of caring for your dog. The short- and long-term status of your dog’s health is largely dependent on what you feed it.

In purchasing dog food, check to see what reviews the food has got, as some foods may look good but are not actually good. Avoid foods with a rating of 3 and below.

For a beagle, avoid foods with chemical preservatives, colouring, or flavouring in them as they are known to cause allergic reactions and/or stomach upset. Avoid meat by-products and always opt for real meat or meat meal.

You should also give your dog some treats from time to time and in between meals. Treats are important for dogs, as they get about 20% to 30% of their calories from treats. We recommend that you opt for Made in the USA or North American treats, as these are very safe for your dog.

Such fresh fruit and vegetables as strawberries, blueberries, and bananas are highly recommended but should be given in smaller portions, especially for a puppy.

It is important to check the weight of your dog often to avoid underfeeding or overfeeding, both of which can be detrimental to your dog’s health.

2. Regular Exercises

Beagles were originally bred to hunt game. Thus, they are very active dogs and love to frequently engage in physical activities such as exercises with its owner. Thus, it is important to have a schedule for exercises for your dog.

Without much exercise, your dog can end up having a lot of pent-up energy, be frustrated, and subsequently end up causing trouble around your home. You’d notice such signs as agitation, excessive barking, destructive chewing behaviours, etc.

It is important for beagles to be out there walking, running, or playing around with you. This helps them to discover and familiarize themselves with new scents.

Create and follow a daily fitness schedule that includes at least two brisk walks. Avoid letting unfavorable weather hinder you. Consider this in advance. If it’s really chilly outside, put a lined vest on your Beagle and make sure you’re wearing enough warm clothing.

In the winter, make sure your Beagle’s paws are well coated with quality paw wax. Take him outside to exercise twice daily unless there is a blizzard or extremely low temperatures.

Allow your Beagle to occasionally experience the delight of sprinting at full speed. Off-leash, though, this is obviously dangerous. It’s wonderful if you have a sizable indoor yard with fencing (be sure to supervise him).

And when you’re in a big field or another place like that, put him on a long leash that’s 50 to 60 feet long and let him run free!

In order for him to understand that you are approving this, be sure to offer the command “Sit” before the word “Okay.” Dogs merely require the occasional feeling of freedom.

3. Always Give Your Dog Clean Water

Water is as essential to dogs as it is to humans. Aside from helping dogs to stay hydrated, water aids in food digestion in dogs.

Tap water continues to be the subject of debate among dog owners, whether it is good for dogs. Tap water has been known to be slowly poisoning humans and as such can be detrimental to your dog’s health.

Chlorine and chloramine additives, for example, can irritate the eyes and nose. Arsenic, asbestos, and even cadmium, which damages the kidneys, are present in some sources.

Of course, fluoride has been added to many water systems; this poisonous material, which was originally designed to kill rats, is harmful to dogs.

Filtering tap water with a filter system for your kitchen tap is one of the ways you can safely give tap water to your dog.

You can also get a filtering water pitcher which comes in varying sizes, and you can keep it in your refrigerator. It automatically cleanses and removes toxins from water as it is being poured.

4. Regular Visits to the Vet

It is important to take your dog to the vet on regular occasions, as this can help with early detection of any impending health risks.

Most owners are always taking their dogs to the vet when they are puppies, but tend not to be so regular when they become adults. This is not the best behaviour for you and especially for your beagle.

Know that whether a puppy or an adult, there are health risks associated with each stage in your dog’s life, hence, the need to take your dog to the vet.

Most owners say they lack the funds to take their adult dogs on regular vet visits, yet, you can actually plan for it beforehand.

The cost of the examination might range from $50 to $200 depending on whether stool samples need to be tested for heartworm disease if booster doses are required, or both. The price of professional dental cleaning for your Beagle can reach $400.

If you wish to prepare for this, you should set between $4 to $16 per month for a year. The breakdown is $33 each month if a full dental procedure is required.

Ignoring problems or living in denial is not in your beagle’s best interests and may cause them to suffer needlessly as time goes on and their health problems deteriorate.

5. Taking Care of Your Dog’s Teeth

We can all imagine what it would be like for your dog if its teeth haven’t been taken care of in a long time. Obviously, the decay and pain would be unbearable for your poor little friend.

A plague is always being formed in your dog’s mouth, clinging to the teeth. If it hasn’t been removed for 3 days, it hardens into tartar and becomes even more difficult to remove.

Plaque and tartar eat away at enamel like a dreadful adhesive, devouring it mercilessly. It can get under the gum line as well as assault the surface of teeth. If an infection does arise, it may progress to the sinuses and potentially result in a full-blown blood infection (sepsis).

As a result of decay, teeth progressively weaken and loosen. When supporting tissues fail, teeth will lose their support. Of course, none of this can occur without some sort of discomfort.

The largest misconception about canine dental care is that toys are sufficient for teeth cleaning. A very little portion of what forms on the teeth may be released by chewing on ropes, kongs, or other toys.

To properly clean your dog’s teeth, use the right-sized toothbrush, a canine toothpaste flavoured with chicken, beef or vanilla.

You can also use a finger brush; these are attached to the tip of your finger and comes recommended for dogs that would not stay still for brushing when using the toothbrush.

Also, Greenies come in highly recommended as the number one product for fighting plagues. Greenies have had the Seal of Acceptance for control of plaque and tartar buildup by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

They come in a variety of sizes (Teenie is for pups 5-15 lbs., Petite is for dogs 15-25 lbs., Regular is for dogs 25-50 lbs.)

6. Ensure “Puppy Proofing”

This is simply about ensuring that your household is safe for your dog and that items that could potentially be dangerous to your dog are not lying around haphazardly.

Regardless of the term “puppy proofing,” this should be done for beagles of all ages, as danger knows has no age boundaries.

Know that should your dog accidentally swallow a sock or any object, surgery could be between $2200 and $4500. Thus, you to regularly check inside and outside your house so as not to miss anything.

Always pick up socks and any other minor garment articles. Check anywhere your beagle can reach for lost coins, dropped jewellery, and other items.

Additionally, a cable concealer should be used to wrap electrical cords. On all bottom cabinets, we also advise installing child-proof locks.

Conclusion

Taking care of your beagle friend is a lifetime consecration, one that demands utmost commitment.

From its puppy stage to a fully grown adult dog, there is so much you’d have to do for your dog; from feeding, grooming, and exercising to training, vet visits etc.

Yet, if you are determined and patient, you are going to have a great time with your new beagle friend. Always talk to your vet if you need assistance with anything.

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