Dog care is a huge responsibility. Do not expect to be a perfect owner right away. Look to this article for advice on properly caring for your dog.
It can be quite costly to own a dog. The costs associated with general and medical care along with high-quality food can be upwards of a thousand per year. Emergency care for animals can cost thousands of collars, so think carefully about getting pet health insurance.
When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. Don’t train in a park. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog. Give both methods a try, and see for yourself which your dog responds best to.
Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. 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. Speak with your vet and work out an appropriate eating plan for your dog.
Real Bones
Don’t give your dog real bones. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. Your dog’s coat will be super shiny and beautiful if you brush them every day. The reason for this is that brushing helps distribute the skin’s oils throughout the coat to condition the fur and skin.
Your dog must learn to walk on a leash correctly. He should be on your side, not behind or ahead of you, and he should know how to respond when told to “heel.” Walking this way will help to keep your pet safe, and it will make it easier for you to enjoy walks too. Your dog needs to get used to this.
If you want to get yourself a new dog, but aren’t totally sold on the idea, you could try to get a foster pet. A lot of shelters that take in homeless or abused animals have a way to let you adopt them for a while. Not only will you be helping a dog in need, but it will help you figure out if you would like to become a dog owner.
Your dog needs attention and shouldn’t be left alone outdoors all day. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with others. A dog by himself tends to be lonely and not motivated to do anything. Plus, bad weather can be health and even life threatening to your pet.
If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. Even if your dog resists, it is important for their health that you listen to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian only has your dog’s best interests at heart, and if you don’t listen, you may inadvertently cause your dog harm.
If your dog isn’t happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dogs are pack animals by their very nature and usually prefer the company of their own kind. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.
Dogs can get a cut on their foot if they step on glass or debris. Small cuts can be treated by washing, flushing with hydrogen peroxide and bandaging. If the cut seems deep, visit your vet.
If you have a dog that has an accident in your home, be sure that you get rid of it completely. Use a cleaner with professional strength, followed by any odor remover. If any scent remains from this accident, you may find that your dog relieves itself in the same place numerous times.
It should be easy to care for your dog with the advice found above. With some patience and love, your dog will be appreciative. Continue learning all that you can to ensure a great relationship with your pup.
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