There are many pets you can choose from today. It is possible to own cats, fish and even reptiles. But, a dog is an animal that can provide love and companionship for its entire life. This article will give you tips on caring for your pup.
Make your home dog-proof. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Put up all of your cleaning supplies and medications, and be sure you put away any trash cans. Many common types of house plants can be toxic, so it pays to eliminate or move them.
Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog’s mouth is extremely dirty. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. That tidbit of information is plain wrong.
Your dog can not tell you what is wrong, so just listen to his body language. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. This could end up in negative biting or fighting behavior. Look for your dog’s non verbal cues and react accordingly.
Offer rawhide rather than actual meat bones. Real bones can chip and splinter, this can cause your dog to choke and wreak havoc on his digestive tract. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
Keep the nails on your dog trimmed. Once the nails start to curl under, they can cause your dog a great deal of pain. These can be trimmed at home if you use nail clippers from the store. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own then you can hire a groomer to do it for a little bit of money.
Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. Your dog has to be worked out to stay happy and healthy. Even the smallest amount of exercise, such as throwing a ball, will be good for your pup and you. You can get a lot of much needed exercise and build a stronger bond with your dog.
Follow your vet’s advice when it comes to medications and special care requirements. While a cone around the head is not a pleasant experience for your pet, it may be a necessary requirement for a short time. Recommendations that a vet makes are for the good of your pet and if you don’t adhere to these things it could be bad for your pet.
Some breads are prone to illness, and you need to know if yours is one of them. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Talk to the vet to find out what you are able to do to assist your dog in beating the prognoses of his breed.
Dog Owners
Get into puppy politics. Legislation aimed at dog owners is proposed every now and then, and you need to know if this affects you. This is often caused by a few bad dogs, or a particular breed. Be sure to voice your concerns in regards to dogs and dog owners by staying in touch with local officials.
Get to your vet on a regular basis. Your vet will give your dog an annual exam with any vaccines that your dog might need. You will have more frequent vet visits if you have a puppy. If your dog seems ill or becomes injured, you must take it to a vet immediately.
When you select food for your dog, do so with care. 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. Also, avoid giving your pet table scraps. They are unhealthy for him.
When you eat snacks, you might be tempted to offer some to the dog. Certain foods are okay for this, but some foods are not good for dogs. Grapes, caffeine, and chocolate are just some things that dogs aren’t supposed to eat. These foods can hurt a dog from the inside out.
Remain firm. Dog owners at times think it’s fine to let them destroy toys every now and then, or to sneak food to them sometimes. This can especially be true if the dog is a cute one. But, by staying firm on the rules, you can avoid issues. In this way, your dog will always know what to expect, and you will not be surprised by unacceptable behaviors.
Don’t have expectations for your dog that are too high. Your dog will not be able to pay attention for very long when you are training him. Only spend a short amount of time during each training session.
Keep your dog clean. While it is not necessary to bathe your dog daily, washing him once a week might be beneficial. This can help to maintain a clean home and will help prevent your dog from having skin issues.
Once you buy a puppy, make sure to get it socialized as quickly as you can. A good way for your dog to hang out with other dogs is to take them to the dog park or even to a play date.
Talk to your vet to learn which food is right for your dog. Some dogs need a special diet, such as those with diabetes. If this is a category your dog falls into, giving him the improper food can put his health in jeopardy. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend just the right foods.
It is no simple decision to take on a dog, but now that you are better informed about what to do, it’s time to take the next step. Continue your research on dogs and the responsibilities for caring for them. This will help you to take even better care of your dog.
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