Owning a dog is a big responsibility. It is your job to keep your dog happy and healthy every day. Being the best pet owner you can be means learning what you can. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips.
While it’s great to show your dog affection, you shouldn’t kiss them. It is unsanitary to be licked by a dog. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is simply false.
Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. A wild animal could draw his attention and make him run off into danger, or an unexpected provocation could result in some unpleasant situation with other people and their dogs. You are responsible for anything your dog does, as well as for his safety.
When the dog does something right, be sure to lavish praise on him or her. By rewarding your pup when it does the right thing, you’ll be teaching it to do these behaviors more often. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.
When a dog behaves badly, correct him immediately. When you let it go, he thinks it is okay to do. If your dog is not under control, he could end up hurting you or someone else.
Make sure that your dog’s nails are trimmed weekly. If the dog’s nails curl under, your dog might be in pain. Simply purchase a pair of clippers from the store. If this idea makes you uneasy, a groomer can easily attend to them for you.
Schedule a vet appointment before adopting a shelter dog. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.
If your dog isn’t happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dogs are pack animals by their very nature and usually prefer the company of their own kind. Match them up carefully by temperament and energy levels and your dog should be in canine heaven!
It is not unusual for a dog to step on sharp objects that leaves it with cuts. Washing a cut with antiseptic and using a bandage is an effective treatment for when dogs get small cuts. If it is a very deep cut, you should take him to a vet.
Any dog accident in your home should be cleaned up immediately. Make sure that you clean up the mess quickly and thoroughly. If your dog can still smell its waste, it may use the bathroom in that spot repeatedly.
When the weather heats up, start checking your pet for ticks and fleas daily. Comb your dog with a good flea comb to eradicate fleas. Additionally, there are a number of other products and tools that help in controlling fleas and ticks on your dog. Your veterinarian should be able to advise you on your best options.
If you are getting a second dog as a companion for one that you already have, consider taking your current dog along when you make your final selection. Dogs are very social by nature, but some get along better than others. If you find one that gets along with your current one, you’ll save yourself a lifetime of headaches.
You need to really consider adding a dog to your home. There are so many things involved, and it is easy to fall in love with an adorable puppy face. Consider everything beforehand so that you know whether or not you can confidently manage it all.
Do not just think your dog is ok because he has a cold nose. Your dog’s nose could be wet and cold for many other reasons. You can keep track of your dog’s heath by paying attention to it’s appetite, demeanor, and energy levels. They give you a better indication as to the state of your dog’s health. You can also check your dog’s temperature rectally.
Before getting a dog, think about how much free time you really have in your life. No matter how much you may want a furry friend, you may realize that you aren’t ready for that kind of responsibility.
Walk dogs each day, regardless of how busy you are. Your dog needs some fresh air, some exercise and going for a walk is a great opportunity to discover new smells and perhaps meet other dogs. Walks are a crucial part of a dog’s life.
Make sure your dog eats healthy foods. Not all brands of dog food are created equal, and cost does not always imply quality. Talk to your dog’s vet about which food you should feed your dog based on their age, health and more. This can be a wonderful way to prolong the life of your pet.
Your puppy might be cute when he eats your stuff, but it will not be cute if it is something you really like and they are full grown. It is vital to take care of that right away. When your puppy is engaging in an inappropriate behavior, stop him immediately. This can save you from a lot of grief down the road.
It is not a good idea to keep your dog home alone if you are going to be gone all day. Your dog will get used to the fact that you may have to work, but you have to figure out how to handle being away during other times. Having noise in the background can help to calm your dogs anxiety. You can also think about getting a pet sitter.
This information is all yours, so use it to get started right away. Use the tips here to help you to become a better dog owner and you’ll be sure to notice the benefits. There’s no reason to have a dog if you aren’t going to give them a good life, so use the things you’ve read to your advantage!
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