Though people often associate September with football season, back-to-school, and the unofficial start of fall, it is also Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Founded by the American Kennel Club (AKC), this month-long event is all about helping pet parents learn how to raise healthy, happy dogs.
As veterinarians, we think this month is a great time to consider what you can do to make your dog’s life even better. Even if you are already a fantastic pet parent, there are likely some changes you could make to really treat your canine companion like Top Dog. In this blog post, we will be discussing a few of the many ways to celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Let's get tongues wagging, shall we?
1. Get Out and Exercise
Making sure that your dog gets enough exercise is an essential part of being a responsible pet parent. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get bored and slack off on those daily walks around the block. If your exercise routine is in desperate need of excitement, commit to trying something new this month. Instead of just walking around your neighborhood, take your dog for a hike on a local trail. If you want to spice things up, find a dog agility course or take your canine companion for a swim. Build up gradually with anything new, and talk to us first if your dog is older, carrying extra weight, or has joint or breathing problems. The extra exercise will be good for you, too!
2. Plan Ahead for Travel
When heading out of town, it’s crucial to ensure that your dog has a safe, comfortable place to stay and someone to take care of them in your absence. Even if you are not planning on taking a trip anytime soon, coming up with a travel plan is wise. You never know when you might need (or want) to take a last-minute vacation. This month, spend some time researching local dog boarding facilities and dog sitters. Find out what their requirements are, too, and make sure your furry friend is up to date on all essential vaccinations—most reputable facilities will ask for proof, including kennel cough, and some need it a couple of weeks before arrival.
If your travel plans usually include your pet, put together a travel bag for them. It should contain copies of their medical history (including any medications your dog is on) and vaccination records, microchip information, a recent photo, toys, snacks, and a supply of any medications with a little to spare.
3. Prepare for Emergencies and Natural Disasters
No one wants to imagine a natural disaster or another emergency affecting their family. Unfortunately, these situations are all too common, and it never hurts to have a plan in place before you need one. Find out now which hotels, shelters, or friends in your area could take a pet at short notice, because many emergency shelters cannot.
Every responsible dog owner needs an emergency kit containing:
- Canine first-aid kit
- An evacuation plan, including where your dog can go
- A few days’ supply of dog food, rotated so it stays fresh
- Bottled water
- Collapsible bowls
- A spare leash and collar with ID
- Copies of important records and a recent photo of your dog
- Any medications your dog takes, kept in date
- A crate or carrier, blankets, and waste bags
4. Tackle Some Training
Training your dog is an excellent way to keep them safe and happy. It’s also an exceptional bonding opportunity. From basic commands and simple tricks to Canine Good Citizen training and dog sports, there are all sorts of possibilities. This month, research classes and select one that seems like a good fit for your dog—look for a trainer who uses reward-based methods rather than punishment, which is both more effective and kinder. Enroll your dog, and let the fun begin! After a few sessions, your canine companion will be happier, better behaved, and more confident, and you will likely feel closer to your pet than ever before.
5. Socialize
While it’s most often associated with puppies, socialization matters for dogs of all life stages. If your dog is young, focus on exposing them to people, animals, and situations they are likely to encounter in everyday life. If you have an older dog, keeping up gentle exposure to new people and places helps them stay confident, and seniors often prefer quieter, shorter outings.
Set up positive interactions with other dogs of various breeds and sizes and with different types of people, and let your dog set the pace—the goal is calm, pleasant experiences rather than as many as possible. Pet stores and other pet-friendly destinations are good places to start. Dog parks suit some dogs very well and are a poor fit for others, so they’re worth trying cautiously and leaving if your dog isn’t enjoying it. Offer plenty of rewards so your dog associates these outings with good things, and if your dog is fearful or reactive around other dogs, talk to us before pushing ahead—forcing the issue tends to make things worse rather than better.
6. Put Safety First
Keeping your dog safe is a significant part of being a responsible dog owner. For starters, check your fence to ensure that it’s secure and that gates latch properly. Inspect your dog’s collar, harness, and leash: the straps should be sturdy and unfrayed, and the buckles should not be cracked, bent, or otherwise damaged. Make sure everything fits and is adjusted correctly so your dog cannot slip out of it. If you haven’t already done so, having your four-legged best friend microchipped is another excellent way to keep them safe—and if they’re already chipped, take a few minutes to confirm your contact details are current with the registry, since an out-of-date chip can’t bring your dog home.
7. Take Care of Their Health
Routine veterinary visits are a huge part of responsible dog ownership. Your dog needs regular wellness exams, dental care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and a healthy weight to prevent disease and avoid serious complications. Keep in mind, too, that your dog’s needs change as they age. Bringing them to see us regularly means you’ll be able to stay on top of those changing needs and provide excellent care at every stage of your dog’s life.
Responsible Dog Ownership Month Round-Up
There are all sorts of things you can do to enrich your dog’s life and help them stay happy and healthy in honor of Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Of all the suggestions listed above, though, scheduling regular veterinary appointments is the most important. Doing so is the best way to stay on top of your dog’s health, keep problems at bay, and address minor issues before they become more serious.
As veterinarians, we’re here to provide the wellness and preventive care services needed to keep your canine companion healthy and happy. If it’s been a while since your dog’s last appointment, contact us today to schedule an exam.