Perhaps you visit the pound and pet shops and longingly dream of having the perfect pet. However, sometimes this is not the result. No matter which dog you end up with, you now have to learn how to care for your pup.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. You are the only one responsible for your dog’s safety and his actions.
Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. Puppies may lack the development needed to tolerate certain kinds of food without getting sick. Always exercise caution when it comes to your animal’s food.
Do not force your dog to do anything. Some dogs won’t love all treats, and you shouldn’t push your dog to like something. When you first get a dog, you should take some time to get to know what it likes and what it dislikes.
Speak with a vet as soon as possible if you are adopting a dog. Shelter dogs could be sick or exposed to different viruses. You need to ensure your dog gets their shots.
When you buy dog food, avoid the cheap stuff. Overall, your dog will benefit form a lifetime of quality food. This may mean that you have to pay a higher price, but you will know your dog is receiving all of the nutrients he needs.
Show your dog that you love him. Similar to other areas of life, dog owners notice a dog’s bad behavior rather than the good. That could mean trouble later with your dog. Try keeping track of how often you praise and scold your pet in a day. For every one negative thing, make sure you say five positive things as well. Dogs stand a much better chance of displaying good behavior if that is the case.
Keep a close eye on a female dog when she’s in heat to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Males can smell her scent for miles. This may also make other dogs fight and it could also get her pregnant which will make her have puppies from an unknown source.
Ensure your dog will return by placing some type of identification on them. A collar with identification is a great way to ensure that your dog is found and returned if it happens to get lost. The tag should include your name and contact information as well as the name of your dog. The dog could also get a micro-chip implanted in it.
Bring your dogs to their scheduled appointments. Vets can do early screening for thyroid issues, diabetes and kidney problems before your dog has symptoms. It’s best to take your dog for annual physical, since that is the best way to ensure that there aren’t an problems that have gone undiagnosed for a long time. In the end, you will save money.
Choose your dog’s food carefully. Always consider your dog’s age, health status and size when selecting the brand and formula you want to feed your dog. While some choose to feed their dogs table scraps, this is not the best way to ensure that all of a dog’s health needs are being met.
When choosing an animal to cohabitate with an existing one, try to arrange an introduction before deciding. Dogs are very social by nature, but some get along better than others. If you can find compatible dogs, it will save you a lot of trouble and anguish.
You must give careful thought to a decision to bring a dog into your life. There is a lot that comes with dog ownership and one can quickly fall for the face of an adorable puppy. Think it through carefully and talk to friends with dogs so you fully understand all that is involved.
Are you aware that vitamins can actually harm dogs? Avoid giving your dog vitamins if he has a balanced diet. If you give your dog too many vitamins, joints, bones or blood vessels could be damaged. Speak to the vet before you give your dog any vitamins.
Make sure your dog is safe when out in the heat. It does not take much for dogs to become overheated. Be sure your dog can cool off in the shade during the summertime. Give him water, too. Also, dogs can suffer from the effects of the sun, so see if the vet recommends sunscreen.
Don’t go overboard with what you allow your dog to do. Dog owners at times think it’s fine to let them destroy toys every now and then, or to sneak food to them sometimes. Regardless of how they look, you will need to stand firm. However, if you are firm, you will not have any accidents. For example, you may not mind giving your dog scraps when you’re done, but if you aren’t careful, your dog may think it’s okay to jump up and take an entire steak off your plate!
Take this advice to heart. Use it for all that you do to watch your dog become the dream companion you’ve always wanted. Your happy dog will show you unconditional love.
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