Owning a dog can be quite joyful. In order to make your time with your dog enjoyable, there are some things you should know. Keep reading for some helpful advice on becoming a great dog owner.
Having a dog at your home is a big financial commitment. Each dog needs quality food, medical care and general supplies. It can cost you around $1000 each year. Pet insurance can be very helpful since emergency medical care for your dog can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances.
In the same way that a yearly physical is helpful to you, a yearly trip to the veterinarian is a must for your dog. Because your dog is unable to speak, you may not know for sure when your dog feels sick or has an injury. A checkup once a year will help diagnose any problems.
Make sure that your dog gets neutered. Research has shown that by doing this you can be sure your pet can have a longer life and not be at risk for things like cancer. Also, dogs that get fixed won’t feel the need to wander away so that may mean that they won’t get into accidents like getting hit by a vehicle.
Make use of hand signals when training your dog versus relying only on verbal commands. It may be easier for your dog to learn commands if they see a visual signal. Try using both ways with your dog to see which works best.
Dog Foods
You don’t want to buy the bargain dog food. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren’t the best for your dog. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. Your dog will be much better off.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it’s just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. Many abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting for adoptions, but there is a lot of overcrowding and many resources are scarce. Fostering a dog will allow you to do some charity work and see if you really want a dog!
Trim any hair that’s around your pup’s paws so it doesn’t get matted up. Use a comb first, then start cutting. A professional groomer may be a good solution if you are confident about trimming the hair yourself.
Remember to bring your dog in for regular veterinarian check-ups. Your vet will give your dog an annual exam with any vaccines that your dog might need. It’s important to go more often if it’s a pup. If your dog appears to be hurt or sick, they need to be brought to the vet immediately.
When the weather is hot outside, check your dog daily for ticks and fleas. Try using a flea comb to remove any fleas that you find. If the infestation is bad, there are treatments available. Talk to your veterinarian about such products or any other options that are available.
When choosing an animal to cohabitate with an existing one, try to arrange an introduction before deciding. Dogs can be quite social, but some are more effective at socializing than others. If you can find compatible dogs, it will save you a lot of trouble and anguish.
Were you aware of how harmful vitamins can be to your pet? Your dog should not need vitamins in addition to eating right. If you give your dog a large amount of vitamins, you could be damaging his joints, bones, and blood vessels. Have a conversation with your veterinarian before adding any vitamins to your dog’s diet.
Don’t think that a dog’s health status can be determined by how its nose feels. Even a sick dog can have a cold, wet nose. Using your dog’s appetite, attitude, and amount of energy, you can determine its health. These indicvators will tell you how your dog feels. You can check the dog’s temperature rectally.
A lot goes into taking care of dogs and being a great owner of your pet. Picking out a new puppy to be your companion is the easy part. Owning a dog requires a person to be responsible when caring for it. Enjoy the time you spend with your dog now.
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