Dogs provide unconditional love, loyalty and affection. Dogs are excellent pets for individuals or whole families. If you want to take better care of your dog, make good use of the following tips.
Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog’s mouth is extremely dirty. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. This is simply false.
Your dog needs an annual physical exam from the vet, just as you need one from your doctor. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. Bringing your dog to the vet each year can help stop these health issues from becoming a huge problem.
Have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that these operations help your dog live longer and can reduce cancer risks. Furthermore, altered dogs do not have the tendency to wander off, so they will stay safer.
Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for your dog. Quite a few of them use ingredients that are very unsafe for kids, including an ingredient that has been linked to cancer. Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.
Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. Also, if you like to stay at home, find small dogs that prefer sitting on laps and being stroked. You and your dog will both be happier if you are a perfect match.
When your dog is good, praise him immediately. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. This will also give your dog incentive to be good.
Give your dog rawhide instead of real meat bones. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
Take the time to train your dog on a leash. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. Your dog will be safer in this position, and you’ll both enjoy your walks more this way. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.
Trim the hair around your dog’s paws to prevent it from getting matted up. You ought to use a comb as a means to straighten it before trimming. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, you should get a professional groomer to do it.
If you have a pure bred dog, make sure you educate yourself on what type of problems are “normal” for that breed. Take the time to read up on your breed so that you don’t get any surprises down the road. You can also speak with your vet about any precautionary measures you can take to help your dog avoid the problems associated with his breed.
Get involved with politics and stick up for your dog! Keep your eye on potentially-restrictive legislation regarding dogs. Breed-specific laws are typically the result of media hype. Stand up for your rights!
Always take your dog for his yearly check-up. The vet can spot things like thyroid problems, kidney issues and diabetes way before you detect it. By having a physical each year, you can avoid unnecessary expenses later on and your dog will not suffer.
Schedule appointments with the vet regularly. Dogs need to go to the vet for a check-up, but also to check for heartworm and to ensure they have all their shots. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. You will also need to see a vet right away if your dog starts showing signs of illness or injury.
When the weather is hot outside, check your dog daily for ticks and fleas. Remove fleas with a special comb. Certain products are geared to eliminate fleas and ticks. Speak with your vet to find the best option for your dog.
If you already have a dog and want to get another one, allow your existing dog to meet the new one before you make your final decision. Dogs happen to be social creatures, but that doesn’t mean they all get along. If you can find compatible dogs, it will save you a lot of trouble and anguish.
Don’t judge the health of your dog by his wet, cold nose. It is certainly possible for your canine’s nose to feel cold or wet even if an illness is present. Instead, focus on his energy level, bathroom habits, appetite and thirst. These attributes will give you better cues into how your dog feels. You can also take his temperature with a rectal thermometer.
There’s quite a bit behind taking great care of a dog. It can be challenging on some days when there’s additional responsibilities other than a simple walk or feeding. Knowing how to care properly for your dog is important. This will help you to have many healthy years together.
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