Are you now a dog owner, or have you been in previous years? Then you understand what great joys dogs are. A solid base of knowledge will prepare you to be an even better dog owner, just as is the case with so many other life skills. The information below can help you.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine’s non-verbal language. If your dog seems hesitant when meeting another person or dog, do not force them to interact. One of the animals could become aggressive. So pay attention to your dog’s demeanor and make your judgement from these cues.
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.
Be careful of the ingredients in many flea treatments. Some medicines can put your children in harms way. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.
Table Scraps
Don’t give table scraps to your dog. This will make your dog beg all of the time and also will make it not want to eat its regular food as much. Your dog may develop digestive problems and become fat if you feed it table scraps. Train your dog to sit far away from your dining room so that you and your family won’t be tempted to feed it table scraps.
When you begin training your pup, start in your yard or home. You should avoid training in heavily populated areas. There are too many distractions there.
Be sure to praise your dog thoroughly any time it behaves correctly, such as sitting when it is time to put their leash on. He needs to understand that this is the right thing to do. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.
Ask your vet the amount of food your dog needs daily. 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. Ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure which brands are best for your dog or need help with quantities.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues. Make certain your dog house has a good floor that keeps your dog up off the ground and dry.
If you are going to get a dog from the shelter, make a appointment with the vet. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.
Make sure that you’re giving your dog enough exercise. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. From a simple walk to a vigorous game of fetch, both of you will find the time well spent. This doesn’t just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.
When you buy dog food, avoid the cheap stuff. Your dog will benefit from eating healthy, quality food. Quality brands are more expensive but they will significantly increase the life expectancy of your dog.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, but aren’t sure you want to make the commitment, try serving as a foster home. A lot of abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting, but resources are slim. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.
A dog should not be left outside all day. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. Keeping them out for too long also exposes them to the elements, so its best that you bring them inside so they don’t get sick being outside in really bad weather.
Whatever your vet recommends, do it. He may want out of that cone immediately, but he needs to keep wearing it! If your veterinarian recommends something, it’s because it’s what’s best for your dog. If you ignore recommendations, your dog could have some major health issues.
If your dog has separation anxiety or you wish to be really nice to them, keep music on while you are going to work. The sounds will help your pet feel safer and will make it feel like it’s not alone. That might work to appease his anxiety during the time you aren’t home.
As stated before, there are many rewards to dog ownership. The experience is greater the more you learn about dogs. Now that you’ve read this information, you should understand dogs pretty well. Use the tips given so you can enjoy all your time with your canine friend.
Search for a pet sitter to take care of your cats. If you have a pet cat or pet dog or other family pets who needa sitter, go through our web site and locate the best dog walker for you.
