If you want a dog, or even if you already have one, you should know that taking care of a dog is hard work. It can be hard to jump right in off the bat. All you have to do is keep reading here to get the best tips on how to care for your animal.
Make your home doggie-proof. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe. Cleaning supplies and medications should be locked away, and any indoor trash cans need to be put in a cabinet. Some plants in your house may be toxic to your dog, so they should be kept where your dog cannot reach them.
You should not kiss your dog. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Your dog can’t talk, it might be difficult to find out what is wrong if there is an issue. An annual vet visit can help you find problems early.
Get your dog spayed or neutered. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It’s been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. Also, dogs that get fixed won’t feel the need to wander away so that may mean that they won’t get into accidents like getting hit by a vehicle.
Table Scraps
Try not to give a dog table scraps. This can make your dog not want to eat his dog food, and it will promote begging. In addition, table scraps are simply not good for your dog’s health. They can cause obesity and other problems. Resist the temptation and only give dog food to your pup.
Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. Less expensive dog foods include fillers and additives that are not beneficial to your dog’s health. Get a list from an animal advocacy or consumer awareness group of the highest recommended foods to give your dog. Your dog will be in better health when he has high quality food.
Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. Brushing your pup daily will help make their coat shiny. This is caused by the motions since brushing distributes oils that keep skin, soft, shiny and healthy.
Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly. If you neglect your dog’s nails, they will be in discomfort. Nails can easily be clipped. Your local pet store will have the tool you need. If your dog does not respond well when you try to trim the nails, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.
Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.
Your dog should not be left outside for the entire day. Even though a lot of people tend to do this, a dog requires human interaction to feel good. Dogs become lonely. It’s especially important that your dog be inside if the weather outside is nasty.
Trim any hair that’s around your pup’s paws so it doesn’t get matted up. Straighten the hair with a comb slightly before you do any trimming. Go to a professional groomer if you have a hard time doing this yourself.
Become Pregnant
If your female dog is in heat be cautious – she could very easily become pregnant. A male dog can smell a female in heat from up to five miles away. Also, she can cause a fight between other dogs, as well as become pregnant with unwanted litter from an unknown origin.
Remember the saying “The more people that work on something, the less likely they are to succeed” while you train your dog. Different people do things different ways, and you can confuse your pup. Assign a person to do the training and then have others fortify what he learns by following the same guidelines and respecting the procedure.
Dogs need regular check-ups, too. Your dog needs to see a vet for full check-ups, heartworm blood testing, and for making sure all of their shots are up to date. Puppies have to go to the vet more often than older dogs. You also should see a vet as soon as possible if your dog seems ill or gets injured.
Were you aware of how harmful vitamins can be to your pet? Don’t give your dog extra vitamins if he’s eating a well-balanced diet. You can cause damage to your dog’s joints, bones and circulatory system with excessive vitamins. Speak to the vet before you give your dog any vitamins.
With the advice given in this article, you’re well on your way to properly caring for your pet. All you have to do is be patient and loving and you will know that your pet appreciates it. Make sure you continue to keep your knowledge levels up-to-date about how to care for your dog.
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