Is there anything about looking after your dog that is troubling you? Many people feel daunted by the care and considerations that come with dog ownership. Other people may feel like they have a pet that just isn’t going to behave. The following paragraphs are jam packed with suggestions on what you can do to help your dog.
Just as you need an annual physical exam, dogs do as well. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Be sure to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.
Don’t take your dog off of your own property without a leash, no matter how well-behaved he is. Something could distract him, like a squirrel or a cat, causing him to leave your side. Your dog’s actions and safety is your responsibility.
When you are training your dog, it is always best to incorporate the use of hand signals in addition to using verbal commands. Dogs tend to respond better with these additional types of signals instead of always relying on voice commands. Try using both ways with your dog to see which works best.
Before giving your dog a new dog food, talk to your vet. Sometimes you’ll find that a puppy can’t eat certain brands of foods because it will make their stomach upset. Choose dog food adapted to the age of your puppy and use common sense when determining which foods are healthy for your dog.
Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. Rawhide is healthy and good for their teeth, so don’t share that T-bone no matter what faces they make.
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. He should be on your side, not behind or ahead of you, and he should know how to respond when told to “heel.” This keeps you and your dog safe as you walk. When you dog understands the command to heel, you can relax occasionally and walk with a loose leash without having your arm pulled off.
If you think you want a dog, but are not sure if you are ready for the commitment involved, consider becoming a foster home. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. Fostering is a good way to do a good deed and determine if you want a dog of your own.
Your dog should not be left outside all the time. A lot of people allow this, but dogs are social creatures that need other beings. A dog left alone outside will get very lonely. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.
If your dog is undergoing a course of treatment with medication or therapy, make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions precisely. They may not like their cone, but they need it for a purpose. Vets are professionals who have experience dealing with your situation.
If your dog has separation anxiety or you wish to be really nice to them, keep music on while you are going to work. The noise make them feel more secure and keeps them company. Doing this might help your dog get past its anxiety while it awaits your return.
Stimulate your dog mentally by giving him exercise and physical activity. Teaching your dog tricks, such as fetching your shoes or the paper, is a fun activity and it also will stimulate your dog’s mind, keeping him alert and attentive. Many dogs were originally bred to work, and will get frustrated if you do not give them a job to do.
If you own a dog, you know that pet ownership comes with a lot of responsibility. Dog ownership might even seem like a never ending job from time to time. Now that you’ve looked over the tips here, you have more ideas to help you deal with any problem that comes along. Less stress is going to lead to a much happier you.
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