Balancing your studies, balancing your work, balancing your budget, balancing your social life, and balancing your health?
Here are some essential tips if you’re a college student seeking advice about caring for your dog while balancing the other demands being in school presents.
Environment
When considering what environment to house a dog, first and foremost, make sure the place you are living allows animals. Being asked to relocate your pet or charged a fee because of your pet can be an incredibly uncomfortable situation. Any location you decide to live, access to a lawn for your dog to use the bathroom is a key factor to consider. Depending on the size of the lawn and whether or not it is fenced off will determine the type of leash to have. To avoid issues with neighbors and to reduce a build-up of lawn maintenance later, clean up after your dog every day. In order to protect your values and protect your pet, dog proof your house. Be aware of loose wires, open doors, and furniture stability.
Diet
There are a multitude of healthy snack options for you that are also healthy for your dog. Instead of immediately opting to give them a dog biscuit, switch it up with a nutritional alternative such as apple slices, watermelon, blueberries, frozen bananas, cantaloupes, green beans, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Introducing these types of foods to your dog at a younger age will allow him or her to acquire a taste for the foods and maybe even encourage a love for fruits and vegetables.
Entertainment
Introducing your dog to tennis balls at an early age is a great way to save money on toys. Tennis balls are inexpensive and easy to clean. While they are young, expose him or her to different toys and observe your dog’s playing tendencies. Categorize the toy families that are safe for your dog to play with alone for extended periods of time and the toys that should be played with while someone is present. For example, some dogs will chew and consume rope toys, which may cause health concerns.
Cleaning/Grooming
Keep a tub of baby wipes readily available by the door to wipe away any small messes you wouldn’t want your dog to bring inside. Also, a tip to keep your dog from excessive moving during bath time is to smother some peanut butter on the shower wall to keep them pleasantly distracted while you bathe them. If your dog has excessive shedding, brush him or her regularly and look into possibly investing in a robot vacuum.
Exercising
Lead a healthier lifestyle with your dog through healthy bodies and healthy minds. Regularly take your dog on walks and do outdoor exercises with your pet. If your dog needs more exercise than what you’re able to offer, looking into local dog parks and dog walkers could make all the difference.
Social/ Support System
Have emergency contacts for you and your pet readily available on your mobile device and displayed in your home. Establishing a relationship with your neighbors can be beneficial if you want another set of eyes to monitor your pet. When you can, bring your dog out with you. If you are having trouble finding new friends, dogs are a great friend to help you meet new people. Being in an pet-friendly environment and community is good for both you and your dog.
There will undoubtedly be times of hardship when introducing a dog into your life while in college, but the lessons of responsibility, trust, and companionship are invaluable. College is full of excitement, stress, and every emotion in between. If you desire to own a dog while in college, following some of these tips and tricks may ease the transition of settling into your new life with your pet.
