There are a lot of pets out there. You could bring home a bird or a lizard, a gerbil or a cat. If you are looking for a pet that will be your best friend and always by your side, a dog is an excellent choice. The article below has the information you need to know to care for a dog properly.
You must dog-proof your residence. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe. Put all medication and cleaning supplies away, and keep your indoor trash can inside a cabinet. Many common household plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog or get rid of them.
Table Scraps
Don’t give table scraps to your dog. If you do, he will hang around you constantly wanting more every time you eat. Your dog may also stop eating his own food as much. In addition, table scraps are simply not good for your dog’s health. They can cause obesity and other problems. While you and your family dine, keep your dog in another room so that table-feeding isn’t an option.
The dog breed you choose should blend in well with your lifestyle. For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, instead of a toy breed that cannot. Likewise if you spend quite a lot of time at home you may want to get a dog that likes to be pampered a lot. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.
Some breeds have inherent health issues you need to watch for. Research the kind of dog you have and see if there are any preventative measures you can take. Also, you can speak with the vet to see what can be done so that your pet will have a better chance at avoiding health problems.
Separation anxiety could be a problem with your dog. If so, show him extra love and attention and leave music on while you are away. That noise will help your dog feel more secure, and it will help him feel he’s not alone. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.
Dogs often get cuts from stepping on glass and other debris. If your dog suffers from a little cut, it should be washed with some form of antiseptic and the bandaged. If the cut seems deep, visit your vet.
You dog should go to the vet on a regular basis. Your dog should see a vet at least twice a year to make sure they are in good health and that they do not need new shots. When you own a puppy, you may need to see a vet more often. Never hesitate to take your dog to the vet if something seems off; remember that your dog can not tell you something is wrong.
You might be tempted to share your food with your dog. It might be alright to give your dog some foods, but not all foods are good for dogs. Grapes, chocolate, and caffeine are all things that you should never give your pup. These food can have harmful effects on your pup’s health.
You shouldn’t use a chilly, wet nose to gauge your pet’s health. There are a lot of reasons that dogs will have a wet or cold nose, even when they’re not sick. Instead, monitor your dog’s health through energy levels, demeanor, and appetite. These are good barometers of the dog’s health. A dog’s temperature is checked using a rectal thermometer.
When you are dog training, use the technique of positive reinforcement. The promise of reward or praise will motivate your dog more quickly and pleasantly than domination or force. Using humane training tactics will be healthier for the dog and will be much more effective. So, behave in a friendly manner when you train your dog for best results.
Try out a variety of rewards when training. Take the time to learn what will motivate your pet the most. Use food as a positive reward when you start. If you have a dog that likes toys, let the dog play tug of war after doing what it was told. Petting can be the best reward too.
Taking in a dog is not a small task, but the information you have learned from this article should make it that much easier. Keep learning about dogs and keep finding out as much as you can. You will have a great hobby, and you’ll learn about how best to care for your dog.
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