There are all types of different dogs, and there are all types of different family situations. Taking care of a dog requires a big responsibility and its decision that should not be taken lightly. Read on to learn more on how to give your pet the best care possible.
While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. There is an old wives’ tale that says that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. Definitely do not believe that!
When you get a puppy, have him fixed at around two years old. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. Also, dogs that are fixed lose their desire to stray from the home, lessening the chance of them getting lost or hurt.
Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. Don’t force interaction with other pets or people if your dog is showing reluctance. This could end up in negative biting or fighting behavior. Watch your dog and be aware of his actions.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.
If you’re on any kind of medication, even if it’s over-the-counter, you need to keep it away from your dog. If the dog gets near the pills, then just a few of them could do serious harm and result in a trip to emergency room. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.
Practice your training regimen for your puppy near your home. It’s never good to try and train your pet when there are quite a few people around. They are going to become distracted, and the easiest commands can be tough.
Never allow your dog to leave your yard without a leash even if he seems very trustworthy and calm. A dog might run after an animal and get into trouble, or it might get into a fight with another animal. Your dog’s actions and safety is your responsibility.
Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. Simply reading the label on your dog food package may not be enough; your dog may have special needs. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
Real Bones
Rawhide treats are better for your dog than real meat bones. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. Rawhide is a great treat you can use in lieu of real bones.
Don’t buy cheap dog food. It will benefit your dog greatly if he is fed food that is nutritious and high in quality. Although it will cost you more, you can feel good about the fact that you aren’t skimping when it comes to what your pet eats.
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. Your vet can notice health ailments long before you can, and many of the tests he can perform will help to detect or prevent things like diabetes, kidney or thyroid problems. This can save you money if you catch a serious illness before it becomes worse. It may also save the life of your dog.
Be sure your dog sees the vet once a year. Dogs need to go to the vet for a check-up, but also to check for heartworm and to ensure they have all their shots. It’s important to go more often if it’s a pup. At the first sign of illness or if your dog is injured, don’t hesitate to take him to the vet.
When the weather outdoors become hotter, you need to search for ticks and fleas on your dog each day. Try using a flea comb to remove any fleas that you find. Fleas or ticks can be destroyed through numerous products on the market. Try to get your vet’s opinion on these products or what you can do to help your dog.
When selecting the ideal diet for your dog, investigate the options thoroughly. There are many kinds of foods you can pick, but the one you choose should fit with your dog’s size and age. Although the temptation to feed your dog scraps off the table, this is not the most healthy diet for your dog.
Do you feel better prepared to care for your dog? You now should know a few things that will make you sure that your dog is in good hands. Implement these tips into your daily lifestyle to help ensure your family pet is always taken care of.
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