There are a lot of breeds of dogs, and lots of different families. It’s a huge decision to decide what type of dog to get and how to care for it. Continue ahead to learn about what it takes to make sure you choose the right dog for your situation.
Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Since your dog cannot talk to you, it may be hard to determine when arthritis is setting in or a tooth begins hurting. An annual vet visit can help you find problems early.
You should have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that these operations help your dog live longer and can reduce cancer risks. 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.
If you take your dog with you on vacation, keep a photo of him on your phone. If he is ever separated from you, it will be easy to show people what he looks like or print out flyers with a recent picture showing that you are looking for him.
Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. You should be careful when you are feeding your dog.
Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. Simply reading the label on your dog food package may not be enough; your dog may have special needs. Ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure which brands are best for your dog or need help with quantities.
Avoid cheap dog food. Cheap brands usually contain ingredients that can be harmful to the health of your dog. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.
Never force a dog to do something. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. Not all dogs like the same things.
Pay attention to the nails of your canine. If you neglect your dog’s nails, they will be in discomfort. Simply purchase a pair of clippers from the store. If you lack the confidence to do this job on your own, a pet groomer will usually do it at a low cost.
When obtaining a shelter dog, you need to set up an appointment with your local vet immediately. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already. You need to ensure your dog gets their shots.
It’s very important for your dog to get the correct amount of exercise. A dog requires regular exercise and game time; it keeps him healthy and happy, both mentally and physically. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you’ll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. You will thus offer necessary exercise, but will also build strong bonds with the animal.
Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Fostering is a good way to do a good deed and determine if you want a dog of your own.
Your dog should not be left outside for the entire day. Understand that dogs need to interact with other people and animals. When your dog is the only one you have, leaving him alone will make him sad. Also, they could be bitten by ticks, hurt by other animals or even abducted.
Keep your dog mentally active along with providing him plenty of opportunity to get physical exercise. You can have him fetch things like the paper, or perform other household tasks. This will make your dog feel helpful and simultaneously keep your dog sharp physically and mentally.
Choosing a dog food needs to be done with great consideration. There are many options, but you should match your dog to food that was made for his age and size. When you give your dog leftovers to save money, you have to make sure your dog is getting the right nutrients and vitamins.
When snacking, you might allow your dog to have a bite or two of your food. Certain foods are okay for this, but some foods are not good for dogs. Caffeine, grapes and chocolate should never be fed to dogs. They can make you dog seriously ill or even cause death if enough is ingested.
Take special care during the summer. It does not take much for dogs to become overheated. Have a cool, shaded spot that they’re able to go to when it’s hot. Clean water will also be extra important during these months. Dogs can also be negatively affected from the sun, so speak with your vet regarding sunscreen for dogs.
Are you feeling better about dog care now? This article has given you important advice than will ensure you know how to care for your dog. Use the above advice and keep your dog happy and heathy.
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