There are great responsibilities when it comes to dog ownership. You must make sure your dog is happy and healthy all the time. The more you learn, the better, so continue reading this article.
Owning a dog is quite a large financial commitment. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for your dog. Lots of treatments contain things that can be harmful to kids. Bring up the subject of alternative and family-friendly treatments the next time you see your vet, and always be sure to apply these treatments when no children are present.
Don’t let your dog out of your property without wearing a leash, regardless of how well he behaves. A dog might run after an animal and get into trouble, or it might get into a fight with another animal. You are the only one responsible for your dog’s safety and his actions.
Avoid cheap dog food. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog’s health. Check with an animal advocacy group for a list of foods you should be feeding your dog. Your dog will be much better off.
If you’re considering becoming a dog owner, but are unsure if you’re ready to take the step, you can foster one. Thousands of animals are living in shelters, which is less than ideal for many dogs, while they wait for a chance to be adopted. Fostering a dog could help the cause as well as find you a new companion you cannot bring yourself to return.
Dog Feel
Playing music in your home when you leave for your job may help your dog with separation anxiety. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. This might just quell his anxiety while waiting for you to return.
Get politically active for your dog! Look to see if your local government is passing laws which limit dog owners’ rights. This is often caused by a few bad dogs, or a particular breed. Stand up for good dog owners and let local officials know your thoughts.
You need to train the dog by yourself; more than one person might confuse him. Be sure that each person working with the dog uses the same commands and responses. Assign a person to do the training and then have others fortify what he learns by following the same guidelines and respecting the procedure.
Keep your annual appointments for check-ups with your dog. The vet will be able to spot signs of diabetes, thyroid issues and kidney trouble a while before your dog shows any signs. Annual physicals save dog owners money and saves your pet a lot of undue suffering.
When the weather gets warmer, begin checking your pup for ticks and fleas daily. Comb your dog with a good flea comb to eradicate fleas. There are a lot of things on the market that will help you get your dog’s fleas and ticks under control. Your veterinarian should be able to advise you on your best options.
Choose your dog’s food carefully. There are plenty of options, and you should find what best matches your dog’s age, weight and other characteristics. You certainly can save some money by serving your dog leftovers, but it is difficult to achieve a balanced diet and include all of the right nutrients.
When engaged in dog training, stick to the methods that use positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise work better and faster than violence and dominance. Treating your dog humanely provides better results and is better for your dog long term. Be kind to your dog and you’ll see some great results.
Use the tips you just read to care for your dog. Make more of an effort to attend to your dog’s health and happiness and you’ll see a big improvement very soon. You will get the most out of the relationship with your pet if you do your best to keep it happy.
Get a dog walker to care for your pets. If you have a pet cat or dog or other family pets who requirea sitter, search our website and choose the most suitable dog walker for you.
