Humans domesticated dogs thousands of years ago. Clearly, people and dogs are a good match when it comes to happy companionship. However, humans like you have the responsibility of taking care of your dogs. Here are a few ways you can make sure your dog is happy and healthy.
It is expensive to own a dog. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. Health insurance for your pet can be a great idea to help you in emergency situations.
Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. Keep in mind that an animal’s mouth is full of germs. It simply is not true.
Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. Dogs need game time and regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy and happy. From a simple walk to a vigorous game of fetch, both of you will find the time well spent. Besides just getting some exercise, you’ll be creating a bond between you and your dog.
Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. He should be on your side, not behind or ahead of you, and he should know how to respond when told to “heel.” This keeps you and your dog safe as you walk. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.
Never leave any dog outside for long durations. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. Dogs become lonely. Also, when the weather gets bad, you need to keep your dog inside.
Prevent matting on your dogs paws by keeping the area well trimmed. Use a comb and a small pair of scissors for this task. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take your dog to a groomer.
If your vet has given you medication or special instructions for your dog, make sure that you follow them. The dog may not be fond of the treatment or medication, but it’s for its health. If you fail to listen to your vet, your dog may end up sick or injured.
Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. Pets are abandoned due to a variety of circumstances, so you might be lucky enough to find one at the pound. Call the pound to see what breeds they’ve got. This might save your dog’s life.
Keep dogs mentally active by giving them many opportunities for physical exercise. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. Doing this will help your pet to feel like a loved and needed family member, and teaching your dog these skills will give it some much needed mental exercise.
You need to make sure if your female dog is not fixed and is in heat that she doesn’t come into contact with a male dog so she does not get pregnant. A male is able to smell her from as much as five miles in the distance! The end result of letting an in heat dog run free is not only an unwanted litter, but also a dog who is prone to fighting and the resulting injuries.
Keep in mind that more is not always better when it comes to the number of folks training a dog. Not everyone will do things the same way, which can cause confusion. Assign a person to do the training and then have others fortify what he learns by following the same guidelines and respecting the procedure.
Keep your annual appointments for check-ups with your dog. This will give your dogs the best chance to avoid life-threatening diseases. It’s best to take your dog for annual physical, since that is the best way to ensure that there aren’t an problems that have gone undiagnosed for a long time. In the end, you will save money.
Dogs often get cuts from stepping on glass and other debris. If your dog gets a cut, make sure that it is washed with antiseptic and then have a bandage wrapped around the wound. If the cut seems very deep, take him to the vet.
There are a lot of factors that go into owning a dog. It’s a great deal of responsibility, after all. Carefully consider the expense, the commitment of time and all the other important aspects of dog care before taking the plunge.
Before getting a dog make sure you have thought about your daily routing, as well as special events like vacations. It is easy to want a dog, but it is much harder to take care of the responsibilities that come with being the parent of a loving dog.
Develop some basic guidelines for your pet and stick to them. Some dog owners put up with destructive behavior and allow their dog to break the rules they have made. If a dog is very cute, it will often be spoiled in this manner. However, if you’re firm, you’ll be able to avoid problems down the line. Giving your dog the scraps after a meal might be okay to you, but if you let things slide you may find your pet eating your dinner from your own lap!
As a dog owner, you must take the time to care for your dog’s physical and emotional needs. When you are aware of what to do, the job becomes easier. This piece will be of help. Just put the tips to work in your life, and you’ll see that your dog is even happier.
Are you an A+ pet sitter? Do you have unblemished work values and really like the pet sitting sector? Then perhaps you ought to promote your services with us. In contrast to other pet sitting sites, our members keep 100% of any money you pay them. We make our money through advertising. Interested? Advertise your services BY CLICKING HERE