Having a dog is not really very easy. You will have to care for him in many of the same ways that you would a child. Can you expect to be a responsible dog owner without educating yourself on the topic, though? Reading this article is a great start.
Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. A dog has a very filthy mouth. After all, dogs eat out of the garbage, drink from toilet bowls, and lick all over their body. It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. This is absolutely a myth!
Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. Some people feed the dog based on their food package recommendations, but these can be wrong and cause them to be overweight. The vet will know what is best for your pet.
Try not to base your dog food choices on the price of the food. Cheap brands usually contain ingredients that can be harmful to the health of your dog. Use an animal advocacy group or some kind of consumer awareness group to see if you can get a list of good foods that are professionally recommended. Your dog will be much healthier if you feed it some healthy food.
If you’re going to adopt a new dog from an animal shelter, you need to get a vet appointment scheduled as soon as possible. Illness is common in shelters, and your new pet could be at risk or already nursing an ailment. It’s smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.
Put a leash on your dog at all times when walking him. Your dog has to understand the “heel” command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. Following this tip can make walking safer for your pet, and it can also make walks more enjoyable for both of you. Even if you’re using loose leashes for walking here and there, make sure the dog understands this command.
Keep trimming the soft hair near the paws of your dog to keep it from matting. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog’s fur before trimming. If this process is something with which you are uncomfortable, have a professional groomer do the job.
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. A lot of dog owners leave their pet at the pound if they do not want them or cannot keep them. Visit your local animal shelter to see the dogs they have on offer and ask about breed-specific rescues. When you adopt a dog, you save its life.
Dog Feel
Separation anxiety could be a problem with your dog. If so, show him extra love and attention and leave music on while you are away. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. It may just be the fix needed for the dog’s anxiety problems until you get back to the house.
Give your dog plenty of exercise for both his body and his mind. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. This will make him feel like an active member of the family.
Ensure that your dog will come back after being lost by having some type of identification tag. A breakaway collar that includes an ID tag will ensure the return of your dog if they should wander. All of the necessary contact information, including your dog’s name, should be included. Have you considered micro-chipping your dog?
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. Vets can find problems such as kidney troubles, thyroid issues and diabetes well before symptoms appear to you. By having a physical each year, you can avoid unnecessary expenses later on and your dog will not suffer.
Dogs paws can be damaged by walking through areas that are rife with debris and broken glass. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use antiseptic to wash it, and then put a bandage around it. If the cut seems very deep, take him to the vet.
Take the dog to see the vet often. He should visit once a year for tests, weighing and vaccinations. If your dog is young, he will need to go to the vet more frequently. If your dog seems sick or hurt, you should go to the vet immediately.
Prior to bringing home another dog, arrange a meeting between your current pet and your prospective pet. Dogs are social creatures, but it’s true that some dogs are more friendlier than others. If you manage to find two dogs who are instant best friends, it will make your job of training them to get along that much easier.
Now that you know what to do, you can use these ideas every day as you care for and play with your dog. With the things you’ve learned, you’re prepared to make a fine start as a responsible dog owner. Employ the canine care advice that was discussed here and your dog will appreciate it.
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