You may already have a preconceived notion of what you expect from owning a dog. What you end up with may be a different story. That said, you have to train it to be what you want. Read on to learn what else you need to know:
It is important to puppy-proof your home. This should be done before the dog shows up at your home. Make sure anything toxic is put up. Some very common plants are quite toxic to animals, so always make sure they are out of reach.
You should have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has shown that by doing this you can be sure your pet can have a longer life and not be at risk for things like cancer. Furthermore, altered dogs do not have the tendency to wander off, so they will stay safer.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. You should contact your vet right away if your dog swallows some medication.
Look into the flea treatments. Some of them contain chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer in children, and are 1,000 times as strong as the safe levels recommended by the EPA. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.
It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. For instance, if you like to go running, you’re not going to want a little dog that can’t keep up with you. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn’t need much outdoor time. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.
Clip your dog’s nails. If they begin to curl under, you dog could experience quite a bit of pain. You can trim them yourself with a pair of store bought clippers. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.
If you’re adopting your pet from a shelter, it’s important that you take it to see a vet immediately. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you’ve brought him home. This is one of the first things you should do. Your dog will get a vaccination schedule and a checkup. Also discuss with your vet about spaying or neutering your dog because there is a problem of over-population of dogs in shelters.
You can always choose to foster a dog for a few weeks if you’re not sure about making the full commitment of dog ownership. Many homeless and abused animals are waiting in shelters for someone to adopt them and with over-crowding, resources are slim. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.
Always follow through with instructions from your vet if your dog has medication or needs special attention. Your dog may hate wearing a cone, however it is prescribed for good reason. Your vet will recommend things that are good for the health of your dog, so make sure that you follow his advice.
If your dog is in heat, be careful if you want her to not end up pregnant. A male can pick up on her scent from as far as five miles away! Your dog could cause some fights and you will be responsible for finding new homes for the puppies if your dog gets pregnant.
Clean up completely if your dog uses the bathroom on your floor. Use a cleaner with professional strength, followed by any odor remover. If any scent remains from this accident, you may find that your dog relieves itself in the same place numerous times.
If you already have a dog and want to get another one, allow your existing dog to meet the new one before you make your final decision. Dogs happen to be social creatures, but that doesn’t mean they all get along. Finding dogs that like each other will save you headache and heartache in the long run.
Use a lot of positive reinforcements during dog training. Do not hit your dog as this will only make him fear you. Humane treatment is more effective and works better over time. So be kind to your dog when you are training him; you will be rewarded with positive results.
When you go out to work or to school, crate training is your best bet. This stops your house from being damaged.
Keep your dog clean and sanitary at all times. Though dogs do not require daily bathing, it is important to clean them weekly. This can help to maintain a clean home and will help prevent your dog from having skin issues.
A new puppy should be socialized as early in life as possible. A good way for your dog to hang out with other dogs is to take them to the dog park or even to a play date.
If you have a new dog, you have to figure out where he will sleep. If your dog is going to be crated during the night, you shouldn’t allow the animal to sleep in your bed at first. If you do let your dog sleep with you, be prepared to let him do it every night.
You’d be silly to ignore all of the great advice provided. If you implement it in all you do, your dog will be like the dog you once dreamed of. When a dog loves you unconditionally, it’s happy.
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