Owning a pet, especially a dog, is a serious commitment. Dogs require feeding, grooming, and vet visits. How can one get ready for all of the challenges? The following tips will teach you how to take great care of your dog.
Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. This is not the truth!
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
Use flea treatments with caution. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.
It is smart to use your hands to signal while dog training, as opposed to just your voice. Dogs tend to respond better with these additional types of signals instead of always relying on voice commands. Try using both ways with your dog to see which works best.
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Genuine bones can chip, and the pieces may become stuck in your dog’s teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is much safer and also cleans teeth.
A trip to the vet should be at the top of your schedule if your new dog’s last home was the animal shelter. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.
Get your new pet a veterinary exam. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. The vet will examine your dog. Also discuss with your vet about spaying or neutering your dog because there is a problem of over-population of dogs in shelters.
Do not keep your dog outdoors all day. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. If you’re area is experiencing rain or snow, you’ll need to bring your dog inside to prevent your dog from getting ill.
When you leave to work, leave music on for your dog just to be nice, or if he has separation anxiety. That noise will help your dog feel more secure, and it will help him feel he’s not alone. This might just quell his anxiety while waiting for you to return.
If you have a dog that seems unhappy or lonely, think about getting another dog. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Choose another dog whose energy level and temperament matches your dog’s, and you should have a good match.
Never trust the feel of your dog’s nose as the sole diagnosis of a health condition. A cold and wet nose may be a healthy one. You can keep track of your dog’s heath by paying attention to it’s appetite, demeanor, and energy levels. These are good barometers of the dog’s health. A rectal thermometer can be used on the dog to do a temperature check.
When you start training, try different reward systems. This will make things more fun and enjoyable for your dog. Many dogs are motivated by food, so make sure to have their favorite treats on hand while training. If your dog is more motivated by toys, offer up a short game of fetch or tug-of-war when your puppy obeys properly. Some dogs just like to be shown attention as a reward.
Change your dog’s bowls daily. Your dog deserves clean bowls as much as you do. Make sure to wash out the bowls each day to disinfect them.
Your dog needs to kept clean, just like you do. Though dogs don’t need bathing every day, they ought to have one each week. This can keep his skin healthy and your home clean.
Walk your dog daily, even if you’re busy. You need the exercise, so does he, and he will be having a good time while out. This is an essential part of the dog’s development process and needs to be a top priority.
If you have a new dog, you have to figure out where he will sleep. A crate is a great place to put your dog in the first few months. If you do want your dog to sleep with you, make sure that you’re going to want to there every night.
Give some serious thought to the food you feed your dog. Not all brands of dog food are equal, and food that costs the most is not always the best. Consult with your vet on the best food for your dog, taking into account his age and the overall state of his health. The right food can really help your pet live longer.
Now you have the tools you need and can use them each day. You now have some basic dog-care tips that can be quite helpful. Use what you learned here and your efforts will be rewarding for both you and your dog.
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