Isn’t owning a dog great? Dogs are valued as pets by many people, and there are good reasons for it. Dogs are affectionate, playful and enjoy being happy. They make wonderful friends. It’s important to be the best owner that you can, which means making sure that your dog is getting the care that they need. Here are some tips to help you along the way.
There are many pleasures derived from dog ownership, but it is also a serious financial commitment. Good quality dog food and medical care can cost between $700-1000 a year. A sick dog could cost you tens of thousands! Look into doggie health insurance!
You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. Because your dog is unable to speak, you may not know for sure when your dog feels sick or has an injury. A yearly checkup will help you find any problems before they become huge issues.
Keep your medications out of paw’s reach. If your dog has access to these pills, there can be fatal consequences. Make sure you have your veterinarian’s number handy in case your dog does accidentally swallow your medicine.
Practice training your dog around your home, where you and your pup can be alone. You shouldn’t train your dog where many other people are present. They are going to become distracted, and the easiest commands can be tough.
Don’t take your dog off of your own property without a leash, no matter how well-behaved he is. Dogs are easily distracted by other animals, cars, and kids, so always make sure to keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. You’re responsible for their actions and safety.
Let your dog have rawhide rather than bones from the meat you eat. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is healthy for their teeth and gums, so don’t share your bones, even if the dog wants it!
When you first notice behavior problems in your dog, take proper steps to correct the behavior. If you ignore it you might make it worse than before. Also, the dog may end up hurting someone, perhaps even you.
Always make sure your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. Walking like this can keep them safe and help you enjoy walks too. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.
Bring your dogs to their scheduled appointments. Having the annual exam is the only way to diagnose problems that arise. Yearly physical exams can save money down the line and save the dog from suffering unnecessarily.
It isn’t unusual for dogs to injure their paws by stepping on bits of glass or other debris. If you find a small cut on your dog, wash it with antiseptic fluid and bandage that area. If the cut seems deep, have a vet check it out.
Bring your dog to a veterinarian regularly. At regular intervals your dog needs heartworm testing, vaccinations, and general check-ups. Puppies need to go to the vet more often then adult dogs. Plus, you need to take immediate vet action if the dog shows any signs of injury or illness.
If your dog has an accident indoors, be certain you get rid of any sign of it. Use a cleaner that’s professional strength and follow that up with a good odor remover. Your dog may do his business in the exact same area if his scent from the excrement lingers.
Conduct daily flea and tick inspections on your dog when it starts getting hot outside. Comb your dog with a good flea comb to eradicate fleas. There are many products out there that can help you control your dog’s ticks and fleas. You can also consult your vet.
When you’re snacking, you might be tempted to let your dog snack too. Some foods are okay to share, but there are foods that can be hazardous to a dog’s health. 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.
You don’t need to have unrealistic expectations with your dog. Your dog will not be able to pay attention for very long when you are training him. Try to limit your training sessions to several minutes so your dog does not come to dislike the sessions and you can avoid a lot of frustration.
Socializing your dog with other dogs is essential when you get to bring a puppy into your home. Socializing your dog can be done by going to dog parks, play dates and the groomer.
If your pooch is always chewing, get them bones or toys to chew on. These are made just for dogs and will allow your pet to have something to chew on besides your home’s furnishings. You can generally find these items at pet stores or big box stores.
Don’t leave a dog by itself for long stretches of time. The majority of people must work, and that absence is something that your dog can deal with, but try to limit your absences at other times. Your dog may feel less lonely if you leave the TV or radio on. Also, a pet sitter could help if you are often gone for very long periods of time.
Make rules for your dog and stick to them. You may believe that there are times you can deviate from the rules you have set for your dog. This is hard for your pet to understand, since they won’t be able to figure out why something is okay one time, but not another. Always remember your rules and avoid exceptions.
You are your dog’s best friend as he is yours. Use these tips to care for your dog better. Your dog is deserving of a great life and if you use what you have learned in this article, you’ll have a fantastic life too.
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