Having a dog as a pet provides you with loyalty, affection and love. Anyone can love a dog, whether they’re a part of someone’s big family, or a great companion for a person who lives by themselves. Follow these tips to take the best care possible of your dog.
Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. It’s an old wives’ tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. However, this simply is not the case.
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don’t force interaction. If you do, someone may get hurt. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.
If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal. You should contact your vet right away if your dog swallows some medication.
Talk to the vet about which foods you should avoid giving the dog. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. You should be careful when you are feeding your dog.
It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. Getting a dog that matches your lifestyle will make you both more happy.
Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Speak with a vet about your dog’s needs and what they should have.
Make sure the hair located on your dog’s paws is trimmed in order to prevent matting. Use a comb and a small pair of scissors for this task. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take your dog to a groomer.
Health Problems
Some dogs are more likely to suffer from health problems and so you should know what to look out for in your dog. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to. Be sure to ask the vet if there is anything you can do in order to avoid health problems that run in the breed.
It isn’t unusual for dogs to injure their paws by stepping on bits of glass or other debris. Washing a cut with antiseptic and using a bandage is an effective treatment for when dogs get small cuts. If the cut is deep, check with your vet.
Get to your vet on a regular basis. Your dog should be checked for things like heartworms regularly, and his shots need to be current. You will need to see a vet more often if the dog is a puppy. When your dog seems to be sick or injured in any way, it is time to go to the vet.
Prior to bringing home another dog, arrange a meeting between your current pet and your prospective pet. Dogs are social animals and may or may not get along. If you find a dog that is compatible right away, you’ll save yourself some difficulties later.
You cannot judge a dog’s health by the coldness and wetness of its nose alone. A cold and wet nose may be a healthy one. Pay attention to the amount of energy, type of appetite and the dog’s demeanor. They’ll all really tell the story of your pet’s health. Your dog’s temperature can be taken rectally.
When engaged in dog training, stick to the methods that use positive reinforcement. Giving your dog praise and rewarding them will teach them better and quicker than force or violence. Using humane training tactics will be healthier for the dog and will be much more effective. So be sure to be positive in your training!
Taking proper care of your dog is a lot of responsibility. There is more to the task than simply walking and feeding it. You have to know how to properly take care of a dog. By doing so, you and your dog can spend many years together.
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