Are you interested in rescuing a puppy? Do you want a purebred animal instead? Whether you prefer a purebred dog or a versatile mixed breed, you will add hours of enjoyment to your life when you get a pooch. Along with the love comes responsibility, so read through the article below to get an idea of what you are in for once you bring your new friend home.
Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. Dog kisses are adorable, but your dog’s mouth is really dirty. After all, dogs eat out of the garbage, drink from toilet bowls, and lick all over their body. Many people say that dogs have cleaner mouths than people. This is completely wrong!
Since you’re not able to speak with your dog like a person, you should pay close attention to the dog’s non-verbal speech. If you notice your dog is hesitant to meet a particular person or dog, don’t force it. This might lead to a bite to another dog or even to a person. Watch your dog and be aware of his actions.
Don’t purchase cheap dog food. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. Your dog will be in better health when he has high quality food.
When a dog behaves badly, correct him immediately. Ignoring it for any length of time will only make it that much more difficult to contain later and you never know what could happen as a result of it now. The dog may harm somebody, even you, so control them.
If you’re adopting your pet from a shelter, it’s important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. Your puppy needs to get a few shots before you can safely bring it home.
Make sure that you’re giving your dog enough exercise. Your dog has to be worked out to stay happy and healthy. Get out and do something with your dog. Go for a walk or play fetch. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
To prevent the hair around a dog’s paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take your dog to a groomer.
Keep a close eye on a female dog when she’s in heat to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Males can smell a female’s scent from a full five miles away. This can lead to aggression among other males, and you certainly don’t want to be left with an unexpected litter of pups.
You need to ensure your dog will come back if he runs away; that is why you need to have a collar with his information on it. Have your dog wear a type of breakaway collar with identification to make sure they’re returned to you. The tag should include your name and contact information as well as the name of your dog. Having your vet equip your dog with a micro-chip is a good idea.
Now you are aware of what you need to do to take care of your dog the best you can. Always be open to new information about dog ownership, and learn from your dog as well. Join online forums and mailing lists to talk to other owners. You will be learning throughout your life, so keep it going.
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