It’s a big responsibility to care for a dog. In fact, being a dog owner is a lot like caring for an actual human child. Even though it’s a big responsibility, you can learn to do it well. Keep reading for the information you need.
Make your home dog-proof. Prior to bringing your dog into your home, be sure that it is entirely safe. Hide cleaning supplies and medicines and hide trashcans in a cabinet. Keep house plants out of his reach, especially if they could be poisonous.
Try not to feed your dog any table scraps. This will only teach him to beg constantly and also inhibit his appetite toward his regular food. Scraps from the table obesity, digestive problems, or other health issues in dogs. If you spend the time to train your dog to spend mealtimes well removed from the table, there won’t be any scrap-feeding temptations to worry about.
Talk to your vet about your dog’s food portions. Dog food packages provide guidelines, but they can be wrong for your particular pet and lead to obesity. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
If your dog must be outside, build him a house. Getting cold or wet can cause your dog to be stressed and can cause health problems. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.
Do not try to feed your dog something they do not like. If you’re trying to get your dog to eat a new treat and it’s not showing any interest, don’t force them to eat it. When you have a new dog, take time to learn what they do and don’t like.
Be sure your dog is physically active. Exercise keeps your dog healthy, both physically and mentally. Whether you take a dog on an extended walk or toss a ball around, your dog and you will both benefit. You can get a lot of much needed exercise and build a stronger bond with your dog.
Prevent matting on your dogs paws by keeping the area well trimmed. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
If you’re the owner of a lone, lonely dog, you should consider getting a second pooch. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
Annual vet check-ups are important. From thyroid issues to heartworm, your vet can find something wrong which isn’t visible to the naked eye. Annual physicals save dog owners money and saves your pet a lot of undue suffering.
Don’t let the temperature of your dog’s nose be the indicator of his health. Your dog’s nose can be wet and cold for numerous reasons, even when it’s sick. Judge a dog’s health by demeanor, appetite, and energy levels. They give you a better indication as to the state of your dog’s health. Check a dog’s temperature rectally.
Think about how you live your life on a daily basis, as well as vacations and other events you participate in before deciding to get a dog. 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.
Outdoor dogs need attention just like indoor dogs do. When left by himself all the time, he may pick up negative habits, such as biting, chewing, and barking. Your dog might also become more aggressive. He’ll be happy if you show him tons of love and play with him often.
Don’t surrender to your dog’s whims. Most dog owners think that letting it slide “this time” is okay, even for a major rules infraction. Don’t let that cute face fool you. However, if you’re firm with the animal, it won’t have as many accidents. You might not mind giving table scraps, but if you fail to be consistent, your dog might one day help himself to your dinner!
It isn’t easy to care for a dog. Do the best you can to keep your dog happy and in good shape. The task is not a small one, but it does have great rewards. You can be a great pet owner. This article will highlight different ways to be a great owner.
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