Dogs and people have lived together for many millennia. It is clear that dogs and humans are meant to be together, and everyone is happy with that arrangement. However, humans like you have the responsibility of taking care of your dogs. Continue reading for information on how to ensure your dog’s life is a fulfilled, happy and healthy one.
It costs a lot of money to own a dog. Every dog is going to need supplies, good food, and will also need medical care. After all is said and done this could cost about $800 or more. One huge expense you might encounter is emergency vet care, so you may want to think about getting health insurance for your pet.
Make your home dog-proof. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the whole area is safe. Put cleaning supplies and medications away and keep indoor trash inside a cabinet. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.
Use hand signals when training your dog along with verbal commands. Using signals such as these, your dog may learn things more easily. Try both methods to see which your dog prefers.
Talk to the vet about which foods you should avoid giving the dog. Some puppies take longer to develop, and some types of food may be too rich, leading to an upset belly or vomiting. Use your vets advice and common sense to feed your dog properly.
Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog’s specific needs are.
You don’t want to buy the bargain dog food. Cheap dog food usually includes fillers (such as corn or soybeans) which are not appropriate for dogs. It may also contain poor quality ingredients which may hurt your dog’s health over time. Check with an animal advocacy group for a list of foods you should be feeding your dog. Food that is healthy will benefit your dog.
Don’t try forcing anything into your dog. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. It will take you a little while to figure out what your dog likes and what he doesn’t, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Shelter dogs could be sick or exposed to different viruses. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
Solid leash training is a must for any dog. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you. Walking in this manner keeps your dog safe, and you are bound to enjoy walks more as well. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.
If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. The sound of music could help him feel more secure and keep him company. It may just be the fix needed for the dog’s anxiety problems until you get back to the house.
ID your pet. A common method to make sure your lost dog is returned is to have them wear a breakaway collar with an identification tag. All of the necessary contact information, including your dog’s name, should be included. If a tag doesn’t feel like the right option for your dog, consider a microchip.
Dogs tend to get cuts and scrapes on their paws from things they step on. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use an antiseptic and a bandage to clean and protect it. If the cut is deep, it is best to go to a veterinarian.
Positive reinforcement is a great tool when training a dog. Praise and rewards will help the dog learn faster than dominance and violence. In addition, kind and humane treatment during training periods is healthier for your dog. Be nice and enjoy the results.
Monitor your dog’s diet and eating habits. Foods that are high in calories are great for growing puppies. When they reach adulthood, these same foods can lead to obesity and health problems.
Remember, your dog isn’t a human. Your dog will not be able to pay attention for very long when you are training him. Spend a few minutes a day training your dog what you want him to learn.
Think about where your dog will be sleeping before you bring him or her home. If you want to crate your dog at night, don’t allow him in your bed when you first get him. If you are going to allow your dog on your bed, be sure you’re going to want this to go on every night.
Take great care of your dog. This job gets a lot easier when you have plenty of dog care information to draw on, and the tips you’ve just reviewed can be a part of your knowledge base. By applying these tips, you’re dog will be happier.
Find someone who offers pet sitting services to care for your pets. If you have a kitten or pet dog or other family pets who requirea sitter, search our site and locate the most suitable dog walker for you.
