A dog is a wonderful pet and some say they make the best possible companion. There is actually quite a bit of truth to that saying. As long as you know what you’re doing, you can get full enjoyment from owning a dog. This article will provide you with some tips on gaining a new best friend.
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. Pet insurance can be very helpful since emergency medical care for your dog can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances.
Make your home dog-proof. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.
While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Dogs are prone to tartar build up and cavities just like people. You don’t know where your dog’s tongue has been, and you’re better off not knowing. It’s a folk tale that dogs have cleaner mouths than humans. This is completely wrong!
If you’re taking your pup on a vacation, make sure that you take a picture of him for on your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.
You should talk to your vet about the foods you give your dog. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.
Don’t ever give your dog bones. Real bones can chip and fragments may become lodged in their mouths or digestive tract. In contrast, rawhide has health benefits for your pet.
Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. It’s crucial that your pet has all necessary shots before it’s brought into your house.
Make an appointment with a good vet right after getting a new dog. Immediately after bringing home the new dog, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. The veterinarian will make sure your pet is as healthy as you think he is and also talk to you about vaccinations. Remember that there is a tremendous dog overpopulation problem, so you should have your dog spayed/neutered.
You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. Even if you’re using a loose leash from time to time, you should still train your dog so that it understands when you issue that command.
Some dogs are more likely to have certain health issues, so you need to know what is expected for your dog. You might be able to prevent some conditions from developing by taking a little extra care of him from the beginning. Your vet can also tell you how to give your dog the best odds for overcoming any conditions that are typical for his breed.
Tag your dog with proper identification to make sure that you can bring him home if he is lost. One way to do this is to always have your dog wear a collar, and ensure that the collar has an identification tag attached. This tag needs to have the dog’s name as well as a way to contact you. Have you considered micro-chipping your dog?
It is not uncommon for dogs to get cuts on their paws from stepping on pieces of glass and debris. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use antiseptic to wash it, and then put a bandage around it. If you believe your dog has a deep cut, you need to visit your vet.
Be careful when you select food for your dog. There are a lot of foods out there, but you have to choose foods that are right for the size and age of your particular dog. Feeding your dog leftovers is a good way to save money but provide your dog with a healthy diet is not easy if you feed it leftovers.
Don’t let the temperature of your dog’s nose be the indicator of his health. A cold and wet nose could be due to many reasons, and it does not preclude illness. Your dog’s health can be judged by his demeanor, appetite and energy level. These signs more accurately foretell the state of your dog’s health. Temperature can be monitored rectally.
Do you go on many vacations? Are you home infrequently? Should you really get a dog? Wanting a dog is the easy part, but is your lifestyle ready to handle a full time commitment like a canine?
Even a properly contained, outdoor dogs need a lot of attention. Your dog could develop bad habits such as chewing or barking if it is alone all the time. Your dog could even become aggressive. Make sure to spend time with him daily, loving on him, playing with him and grooming him.
Dogs are fabulous pets. Your relationship with your dog will thrive when you are properly educated. This article shared a lot of information, and you should apply it to your life. You can get that furry best friend that you’ve always wanted.
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