Dogs can be such a joyful addition to a home, but you must care for them properly. The secret to keeping your dog in good spirits and good health is to educate yourself about what your pet needs. Continue reading to find out how to properly care for your dog.
Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. In theory, giving a dog a kiss is cute, but realize that the mouth of a dog is generally very dirty. Dogs poke around trash cans, love smelling and licking other dogs’ body parts and enthusiastically drink from toilet bowls. It is folk wisdom that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a humans. This is absolutely a myth!
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
Use flea treatments with caution. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Ask the vet about flea powders and other products that are less hazardous for kids.
Practice training your dog around your home, where you and your pup can be alone. It is not a good idea to train them in areas where a lot of people are present. Distraction ensues, and it is harder to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. He can be scared away by some wild animal, or an unforeseen provocation with another dog can result in an unpleasant situation. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.
Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Choose dog food adapted to the age of your puppy and use common sense when determining which foods are healthy for your dog.
Ask your vet how much food your dog should get every day. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. See what your vet recommends and adapt that to how your dog responds.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Always protect him from wind, sun and rain by making sure he has a dry shelter to go to.
Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. It is vital to give your dog the best quality food. While this may mean paying higher prices for a premium brand, you can be assured your dog is getting the proper nutrients from wholesome sources.
Get your dog’s hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn’t get matted up. A comb should be used first to straighten it before you do any cutting. If you’re uncomfortable trimming hair, you should probably have your dog groomed by a professional.
If you have a lone dog think about getting another if he is feeling lonely. Dogs are, after all, pack animals; they usually like company that is like them. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.
There is nothing quite like the joy a dog can bring into the lives of its owner. That said, you need to be educated about what it takes to have a happy, healthy dog. If you are lucky, the information here will help you care for your best friend.
Locate a dog walker to take care of your dogs. If you have a kitten or pet dog or other animals who requirea sitter, browse through our site and find the best pet sitter for you.
