Dog ownership is not a responsibility to take lightly. It’s like a baby, only they never really grow up. Through the task is a big one, you can take care of a dog with patience and knowledge. The following tips will help you achieve this goal.
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. You should also look into purchasing a good pet health insurance policy to avoid high medical bills.
Make sure your home is dog-proof. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe. Make sure all of the medicine is put away and the cleaning supplies are up and safe. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.
Table Scraps
Do not feed your dog “people food”. This will make your dog beg all of the time and also will make it not want to eat its regular food as much. Table scraps are also not nutritionally sound for a dog, and this might mean digestive problems, obesity, and other ailments. 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.
Which breed you need to buy depends on your lifestyle. For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, instead of a toy breed that cannot. Similarly, if you’re quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. Keeping a mismatch out of play makes both of you happy.
Rawhide treats are better for your dog than real meat bones. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is healthy and good for their teeth, so don’t share that T-bone no matter what faces they make.
Take your time to teach your dog what kind of behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. If you ignore it you might make it worse than before. Your dog might hurt someone else, or you, so take steps to control him early on.
Schedule a vet appointment before adopting a shelter dog. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
Stimulate your dog mentally and physically with plenty of exercise. Find ways for your dog to help you each day, such as training it to fetch the morning paper. This kind of play will make your dog feel like a contributing member of the family and keep his mental functioning at a high level.
Remember the expression “Too many cooks spoil the soup” when training your dog. Having multiple people train your dog will only confuse him. You should train your dog for a few minutes several times a day and encourage everyone else in your household to reinforce what you have been doing.
Carefully choose your dog’s food. A number of dog foods are available, but you must choose one that suits your dog’s age and size. While feeding your dog leftover food saves you money, it doesn’t make for a healthy diet.
If you are shopping for a new dog and already own another dog, it is a good idea to take your old dog along. Though most are sociable, certain dogs are better able to get along with other dogs than others. Finding a dog that gets along well with your current pet will be best for everyone in the long run.
When you’re snacking, you might be tempted to let your dog snack too. This is true of some snacks, but not of others. Never give foods like grapes, chocolate or caffeine to a dog. They can make you dog seriously ill or even cause death if enough is ingested.
Are you aware that feeding your dog vitamins can be dangerous? If you are feeding your dog a well-balanced dog food, specific to his age, weight and health needs, additional vitamins can do damage. Do not give your dog too many vitamins as this can get them sick. Have a conversation with your veterinarian before adding any vitamins to your dog’s diet.
Do not just think your dog is ok because he has a cold nose. There are many reasons for your dog’s nose to be cold and wet even if the dog is sick. The overall amount of energy your dog has, its eating habits, and its general behavior are what you should watch. They give you a better indication as to the state of your dog’s health. Check a dog’s temperature rectally.
Watch what your dog is eating. Foods that are high in calories are great for growing puppies. Eating the same sorts of food once they’re fully grown can be bad for dogs, though, making them overweight and putting them at risk for all sorts of health problems.
Clean your dog’s water and food bowls regularly. Germs can develop on a dirty bowl, especially if food or water stays in it for a long time. Each day, wash the bowls and make sure your dog has clean water and fresh food.
Dog Care
Dog care isn’t a simple thing. Just as with child care, dog care requires you to provide all of the essentials for life. Taking care of a dog requires consistency and responsibility, and you can do it if you apply yourself. Advice has been provided to you here to help you meet your obligations.
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