Are you not satisfied with the food options for your canine found at the local supermarket? A lot of people feel like their dog needs more nutrition. It is important that you understand how to properly care for your dog. You can do a great job as a dog owner yourself; just take a look at the hints below.
Medical Care
It can be quite costly to own a dog. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$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. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe. All cleaning materials and drugs must be put away, and put your trash receptacle inside a cabinet. Keep house plants out of his reach, especially if they could be poisonous.
Flea Treatments
Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for your dog. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Talk to your vet to learn about flea treatments that are safer and more family friendly, and always keep flea medication out of reach of children.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. A wild animal may set your dog off and send it running into traffic, or someone could provoke your dog and get injured by accident. You are the only one responsible for your dog’s safety and his actions.
Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it’s food down, with lots of praise and attention. You need to reward good behavior. It teaches your pup that he will be rewarded for good behavior.
Do not try to feed your dog something they do not like. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.
A foster home is something you can provide for a dog that needs it. Shelters for abused or homeless dogs are often looking for temporary homes, called foster homes, where dogs can live until they are adopted out to a permanent home. Fostering will help you become adapted to the life of a pet owner, and you will be making a difference in the life of a dog at the same time!
The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Comb the tangles out before you start trimming. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
If you are interested in adopting a pure breed, consider visiting the dog pound. Some owners leave their dogs, which gives you an opportunity to give them a better life. Call the shelter to find out which dogs they have available. You may save a poor dog’s life if you do this.
If your dog seems lonely because you’re not home all the time, get him a little friend. Dogs naturally live in packs, and they are happiest when they are allowed to do so. Giving them some canine companionship can have a very positive effect on their mood and behavior. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
Stimulate your dog mentally by giving him exercise and physical activity. For example, train your dog to retrieve the newspaper or other helpful chores. The training will challenge him mentally and the affection you show for a job well done will bond him to the family routine.
Owning a dog is both a privilege and a pleasure, especially when you make yourself a well-educated owner. There are plenty of food choices that are available to dog owners, some of which you may not see in your food aisle. Just use the information here to help you find the best program of care for your dog.
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