The thought of owning an energetic an intelligent dog like a Border Collie may seem quite appealing. But you should know this breed needs a lot of attention and care. If you are not willing to devote your time to have a healthy and active dog, think twice.
Border Collie Care 101
Read on for an overview of Border Collie care.
Border Collie Diet
Border Collies have such beautiful long coats and very active. When it comes to their diet, they require very nutritious and high quality food to maintain their happy and healthy nature.
Your Collie’s balanced diet should include:
- Moisture
- Protein, preferably from meat
- Vegetables
- Essential oils
- Vitamins
Avoid giving your dog foods with:
- Unnecessary fillers
- Chemicals and toxins
- Byproducts
- Harmful preservatives
Pay attention to the quantity and quality of food you are giving your Collie. Active dogs such as the Border Collie require lots of energy since they tend to use up most of it. Therefore, proper nutrition is very crucial for them.
Dried extruded foods are normally of low quality. However, they have some benefits. Their nutrition is evenly spread out, but only for the high quality products. For more information check out canned vs. dry food.
The best diet to give your Border Collie to ensure he has healthy muscles and his coat remains shiny is natural food that is prepared at home. This way, you will have complete control over the kind of food your dog eats.
Your Border Collie also needs fresh and clean water regularly. Make sure that you change your Collie’s water at least once a day. Also, wash his water bowl periodically to remove any lingering bacteria and germs.
Border Collie Exercises
Border Collies nature is to maintain an active life. They are strong and filled with energy that has to be released. Border Collies need to run and play a lot. Basically, they have to be active so that they can stay healthy. Collies like exercises, enjoy and have fun engaging in any outdoor activities they are given.
Since Border Collies are not dogs that will lazy around in the house, be ready to playing and running a lot with your dog for him to remain healthy and happy. Fetch is one of their favorite games. This is because they enjoy chasing after a Frisbee, ball or stick.
Playing games is also a great way of exercising your dog and ensuring that they are using their muscles and prey instincts. Both you and your Collie will enjoy spending time playing and running around.
Border Collie Grooming
Border Collie grooming is absolutely mandatory especially if you want their skin to be healthy and their coat to remain shiny. Frequent brushing and combing are a MUST for these dogs. Border Collies are average shedders. However, since they are double-coated dogs, when their undercoats are shedding, they require extra care. You can either bath or dry shampoo your dog only when it is necessary.
Make sure that you regularly check your Collie’s coat and ears for ticks. Keeping your dog’s skin and coat shiny and clean is very vital for the breed and grooming is not optional. You have to groom your Border Collie regularly. Moreover, since their coat is shiny and soft, you will enjoy the activity.
