Dogs make the perfect pet because they are loving, loyal and great with children. Dogs do need help to develop into ideal pets to fit your lifestyle. They need to learn what to do to behave, and they have to be cared for. This article is packed with tips about owning a dog, so read on.
It is expensive to own a dog. You need to pay for high quality food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. Emergency visits to the vet can cost thousands, so you may want to invest in health insurance for your dog.
Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn’t attempt to force its interaction with them. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. Follow your dog’s body language.
If you’re taking your pup on a vacation, make sure that you take a picture of him for on your phone. If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you have a current picture that you can show others or use to make “lost” posters.
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 your dog has access to these pills, there can be fatal consequences. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
Use hand signals when training your dog along with verbal commands. Your dog can figure out things easier when they get these signals. Not every dog will learn the same, so try different techniques with your dog.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn’t need much outdoor time. When you match your traits and the traits of your pet, you will both be happy.
Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Real bones can chip and splinter, this can cause your dog to choke and wreak havoc on his digestive tract. In contrast, rawhide has health benefits for your pet.
If you want to keep your dog outside, build him or her a small shelter. If his feet are wet, extreme temperatures can be stressful and bad for his health. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.
Take your new dog to the vet. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. The vet will give him a complete health check and set up a vaccination schedule. Also talk to your vet about getting the dog spayed or neutered – there are already way too many dogs in shelters, and you really don’t want to add to this problem.
Trimming around the paws of your dog will ensure your dog’s fur doesn’t get matted. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. Go to a professional groomer if you have a hard time doing this yourself.
If your dog is undergoing a course of treatment with medication or therapy, make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions precisely. He might not want to wear that cone on his neck and head, but it’s there for a real reason! Any thing that your vet tells you to do should be done to ensure a healthy dog.
Certain health issues plague particular dog breeds, and you need to know what those conditions are for the type of dog you own. Take the time to read up on your breed so that you don’t get any surprises down the road. Talk to the vet to find out what you are able to do to assist your dog in beating the prognoses of his breed.
If you wish to get a dog that’s a pure breed, you may have some luck with the pound. Dogs are abandoned daily at such facilities, and they are in need of new homes. Speak to the nearest pound to see if an option suits you. This can help save the life of a beautiful dog.
You want to ensure that all trace of pet accidents are removed when they occur within the home. Use some professional strength cleaners and a good odor remover that works. If your dog can still smell its waste, it may use the bathroom in that spot repeatedly.
Carefully pick the foods you feed your dog. There are many kinds of dog food to pick from, but you must locate a type of food that is best for your dog’s size and age. Though just giving your dog your own leftovers is cheaper, it is not good for their health.
You shouldn’t use a chilly, wet nose to gauge your pet’s health. There are lots of reasons why his nose may be this way, even if he is feeling ill. You can tell how your dog is feeling by watching his appetite and energy levels. These are a truer indication if anything is amiss with your furry friend. If you need to take a temperature, you can do so rectally.
Your dog might be contained outdoors, but he needs as much of your attention as any indoor dog. He is likely to begin barking, digging holes or chewing if you do not give him enough attention. It can also lead to aggression. Give your pet a lot of love and play with it too so that it’s happy.
You may now understand that good dog care does not need to be difficult. It may be a bit hard in the beginning, but the advice here should lead you in the correct direction. Take these tips to heart, and go forward confident in the knowledge that you are doing the right thing by your dog.
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