Every dog requires much more than being fed and a few pets. It needs constant attention throughout the day. How will you know what you can or should do in regards to your dog? The article below provides excellent advice on the right methods of dog care, so continue reading.
While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. Many people believe that dogs’ mouths do not have as much germs as humans’ mouths. This is completely wrong!
Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. As the owner, you will be held responsible for any damages your dog causes.
Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. Sometimes, your puppy may not be developed enough to consume certain brands, as this can lead to an upset stomach or sicknesses. Be careful about which foods you feed your dog.
Always buy high quality food for your best friend. Your dog will benefit from eating healthy, quality food. You’ll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.
Make sure that your dog is not kept outside your home all day long. While this is what many people do, dogs require socialization with people and/or other animals. Especially if it’s only one dog, it can get very lonely. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.
Always follow through with instructions from your vet if your dog has medication or needs special attention. The dog may hate that cone on its head, but it’s there for a very good reason! Your vet will recommend things that are good for the health of your dog, so make sure that you follow his advice.
Certain dog breeds are susceptible to some health problems, so make sure you know what is typical for the breed of dog you have. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Also, talk to your vet about things that can be done to increase the odds for your dog’s breed.
When you are training your dog, don’t have too many people telling your dog what to do. Everyone will have a different way of trying to teach the dog something, and that can make things confusing for the animal. You should have one person take charge of the training procedure, and then ask everyone else to follow their lead once the dog has learned a few simple commands. This allows for consistency that is least likely to confuse your pet.
It is a common occurrence for a dog to get a cut after stepping on glass or other debris. If your dog gets a cut, make sure that it is washed with antiseptic and then have a bandage wrapped around the wound. If the cut seems deep, have a vet check it out.
Anytime your dog has an accident in your home, remove any trace of it. Utilize professional grade cleaners and odor removers as well. If any scent from their excrement is left behind, they may keep soiling that area.
Your training techniques should only use positive reinforcement. A dog learns quickly when he knows he will be rewarded. Treating your dog humanely provides better results and is better for your dog long term. Treat your dog well during training and you’ll have better results.
Your dog might be contained outdoors, but he needs as much of your attention as any indoor dog. They’ll develop bad habits like chewing, digging, and barking if they’re constantly left alone. Also, he may develop aggressive tendencies. Lavish attention and love on him.
You need to provide your dog with shade and water during the summer. It is easy for a dog to become overheated, and this can cause health problems. Make sure that your dog has a shaded, cool spot for hot weather. Be sure that your pet always has cold and clean water to drink. You should also look into doggie sunscreens, as the sun affects dogs too.
No matter what your schedule is, your dog needs to be walked every day. You need the exercise, so does he, and he will be having a good time while out. This helps him develop mentally and grow as a dog.
Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s diet. Your dog may need a special diet if it has a medical condition, such as diabetes. An unhealthy diet could be very harmful to a young puppy or to a dog who suffers from diabetes. The vet will be able to make sound dietary suggestions.
The more knowledgeable you are about dog ownership, the better off you will be. This means that you will give your dog the life he deserves for being a loyal friend. If you were a dog, would you not want your owner to take the time to learn about you?
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