When seeking a new dog, you are sure to want a gentle companion who will keep your feet warm at night. This may not be what you get in the end. Regardless, you are now tasked with caring for your dog, and this article will teach you the ropes.
It is expensive to own a dog. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. Health insurance for your pet can be a great idea to help you in emergency situations.
Dogs don’t talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. So pay attention to your dog’s demeanor and make your judgement from these cues.
Choose the correct flea medicine for your dog. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Talk to the vet about different forms of treatment that are safer for use around small kids.
Try not to give a dog table scraps. That encourages him to beg and makes him not want his own food. “People food” can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.
Your vet can give you some good advice on what you should feed your dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
Speak with your vet about the amount of food you should be feeding your dog each day. Some people feed the dog based on their food package recommendations, but these can be wrong and cause them to be overweight. See what your vet recommends and adapt that to how your dog responds.
Don’t force your dog to do anything. If you purchase a treat your dog doesn’t appear to like, just try another brand rather than making him eat. It will take you a little while to figure out what your dog likes and what he doesn’t, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly. Once they get to a length where they are curling under, this is likely to cause your dog some pain. These can be trimmed at home if you use nail clippers from the store. If you aren’t confident enough to do it yourself, take the dog to a local pet groomer.
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. You need to be sure that you get your animal all of the shots it needs prior to bringing it home.
When you get a new dog, set up an appointment for him at the vet. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. This allows the vet to look him over and schedule the necessary vaccines. Unwanted puppies are a tragedy, so make sure your dog gets spayed or neutered.
Develop Certain
Some dog breeds are more likely than others to develop certain health issues. Check your dog’s genetic background if possible to determine if he is more likely to develop certain medical conditions. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action.
Don’t ignore this great advice that you have available. Use it in all that you do and watch the difference in the behavior of your dog. The happiest dog will make for the happiest owner.
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