Whether you want to get a dog or if you already have one, you’re probably aware of the fact that it takes some work to care for a dog. It isn’t something you can do uneducated. You should keep reading to learn more being a good dog owner.
Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don’t force interaction. If you do, someone may get hurt. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
If you’re on any kind of medication, even if it’s over-the-counter, you need to keep it away from your dog. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. Make sure you have your veterinarian’s number handy in case your dog does accidentally swallow your medicine.
Keep table scraps to a minimum. This will make him want human food every time you have a meal. Scraps can be terrible for his diet and lead to obesity and other health problems. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.
When choosing a dog, make sure you consider your lifestyle. For instance, if you jog, a toy poodle may not be as great a choice as a dog that is able to run with you. However, if you’re someone who stays mainly at home then seek out a small dog that loves to be adorned with lots of love while lounging around the house. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
If you have a dog that does something right, like sitting when you’re getting out the leash, you should give the animal lots of praise and affection. After all, your goal is for your dog to know when it is doing something good. Your dog will quickly understand that the praise is connected to a certain action.
Your dog’s claws must be trimmed. If they start to curl under then your dog may start to feel pain. You can trim them yourself with a pair of store bought clippers. Can’t hack it? Take them to the groomer instead.
If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
Take your new dog to a vet. Don’t wait to long to make your appointment. Your vet will be able to give a clean bill of health, and appoint a schedule for vaccinations. Ask your vet about neutering your dog. Shelters are filled with unwanted animals and not neutering your dog means you could be making this problem worse.
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. There are often pure bred dogs at shelters and rescues, and they are desperately in need of homes. You can contact the local dog shelter to see what breeds are there. You can save the life of an abandoned dog this way.
Make political decisions which will help your dog! Be on the lookout for changes in local laws and ordinances that may restrict and regulate a dog owner’s rights. Frequently, this sort of thing is just a knee-jerk reaction based on an isolated incident. You need to talk to your local officials and stick up for rights of dog owners.
You want to ensure that all trace of pet accidents are removed when they occur within the home. Use a cleaner specifically made to clean up such messes. If any of the smell remains, your dog might be encouraged to do the same thing, in the same spot, all over again.
Vitamins are not necessarily a good thing for your dog. If you are feeding your dog a well-balanced dog food, specific to his age, weight and health needs, additional vitamins can do damage. Too much of certain vitamins could cause damage to the blood vessels, bones and joints. Speak to your vet about your dog’s requirements.
Never judge a dog’s health simply by how cold or wet its nose is. There are lots of reasons why his nose may be this way, even if he is feeling ill. Keep an eye on your pet’s health by monitoring their mood, appetite levels, and how much energy they have. They give you a better indication as to the state of your dog’s health. A dog’s temperature can be taken rectally if need be.
When you’re training your dog, it’s important to utilize positive reinforcement. Praise and rewards will help the dog learn faster than dominance and violence. Treating your dog well is good for your pet’s emotional health, but it’s also the most effective training method. Therefore, be kind when training your dog and enjoy the great outcome!
After taking in the above article, you’ve gained some great insights into caring for dogs. Love and patience are key to a happy relationship with your dog. Read up all you can about taking care of your dog – this will help the two of you to enjoy each other’s company much more!
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