Caring for a dog is a lot of work and you should not underestimate the responsibilities of being a dog owner. Do not expect to be a perfect owner right away. Use the following guide to find some great tips on taking good care of dogs.
It costs a lot to own a dog. The costs associated with general and medical care along with high-quality food can be upwards of a thousand per year. One huge expense you might encounter is emergency vet care, so you may want to think about getting health insurance for your pet.
While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs rummage through trash, drink toilet water and lick other dog’s body parts. Keep in mind that an animal’s mouth is full of germs. This is not in the least bit true.
Be sure your dog is neutered or spayed. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer. In addition, dogs that are spayed or neutered do not have as strong of a desire to wander from their home, meaning that they are less likely to get lost or hit by a car.
Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. When you match your traits and the traits of your pet, you will both be happy.
If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. You never know what condition the dog might be in. It’s crucial that your pet has all necessary shots before it’s brought into your house.
You can keep your furry friend mentally as well as physically active through plenty of exercise. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. 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.
Ensure your dog will return by placing some type of identification on them. Have your dog wear a type of breakaway collar with identification to make sure they’re returned to you. On the tag, make sure to include your pet’s name and your phone number. Micro-chipping is another great option to help in the event that your dog gets lost.
Bring your dogs to their scheduled appointments. Your vet may see problems, such as thyroid problems, kidney problems, and diabetes, before you’ll notice any signs. This can save you money if you catch a serious illness before it becomes worse. It may also save the life of your dog.
Conduct tick and flea inspection on your dog during the warm seasons of the year. Remove fleas with a special comb. Fleas or ticks can be destroyed through numerous products on the market. Your veterinarian should be able to advise you on your best options.
Carefully choose your dog’s food. A variety of foods are available, but that doesn’t mean they’re all perfect for your pet. While feeding your dog leftover food saves you money, it doesn’t make for a healthy diet.
Were you aware that vitamins are not good for your dog? If your dog eats commercial foods, he doesn’t need vitamin supplements unless your vet advises you to give them to him. If you give your dog a large amount of vitamins, you could be damaging his joints, bones, and blood vessels. If you’re going to be giving your dog vitamins, be sure to talk to your vet first.
Don’t rely on just a wet and cold nose to determine a dog’s health. Your dog’s nose may be wet and cold even if they are sick. Pay attention to the amount of energy, type of appetite and the dog’s demeanor. These are the best ways to know how the dog is. If necessary, you can get a rectal temperature reading as well.
Before getting a dog, think about how much free time you really have in your life. You may want to get a dog, but there are lots of hard responsibilities that are involved in being a great dog owner.
If you are starting to train, start by rewarding them in different ways. Look for cues as to what motivates your dog to learn the quickest. If food works best for your dog, reward it with tiny hot dog pieces. You could also play tug of war for a few minutes to reward your dog. Occasionally, a dog may just want to be petted for their reward.
Remember, your dog isn’t a human. Dogs have a much shorter attention span than humans do, so adjust your training time with your dog accordingly. You should not spend more than fifteen minutes at a time on training or your puppy will lose interest.
You have to keep your dog as clean as you are. This doesn’t mean you need to bathe your pet daily, but it does mean they should be cleaned weekly or more, if necessary. Doing so will stop skin problems from occurring. It will also prevent your home from getting dirty.
When you buy a puppy, socialize him with dogs as much as possible. Socializing your dog can be done by going to dog parks, play dates and the groomer.
Consider what your dog is eating. There is a huge difference between dog food brands, but be aware that the most expensive food isn’t necessarily the best. Ask your vet about which foods are the best for your particular dog, when considering his breed, age and health. Feeding the best food to your pet can be a great way to ensure a long life for your dog.
Now that you know more about dogs, you shouldn’t have serious concerns about caring for them. Show a relaxed nature towards the dog and be patient to them as they will reciprocate in kind. Research some more to make sure you will enjoy the company of your furry companion.
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