Do you want to learn more about the various dog foods available? Many pet owners are casting a more critical eye on the mass produced food that may not provide the nutrition your pet need. As a result, many dog owners have decided to do something about it. With the guidance provided below, you’ll be better equipped to be a responsible and happy dog owner.
You should have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has shown that by doing this you can be sure your pet can have a longer life and not be at risk for things like cancer. Also, dogs that are fixed lose their desire to stray from the home, lessening the chance of them getting lost or hurt.
When you are training your dog, you should practice in your home or in your yard. Avoid training your dog where many people are present. This can cause your dog to get distracted, which can make training them simple commands almost impossible.
You should talk to your vet about the foods you give your dog. Some puppies take longer to develop, and some types of food may be too rich, leading to an upset belly or vomiting. Always exercise caution when it comes to your animal’s food.
Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. Your dog will be in better health when he has high quality food.
Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. Particularly if his feet get wet, extended exposure to extreme temperatures causes stress and can lead to health complications. Keep your dog safe by giving him shelter.
Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. Once the nails start to curl under, they can cause your dog a great deal of pain. These can be trimmed at home if you use nail clippers from the store. If you’d prefer, you can have the groomers trim your pup’s nails.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. From a simple walk to a vigorous game of fetch, both of you will find the time well spent. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
Become acquainted with dog food labels and avoid buying based solely on cost. After a while it’s good for the dog if it has been eating nutritious and high quality food. Quality brands are more expensive but they will significantly increase the life expectancy of your dog.
Learn what health problems are most typical for your breed of dog. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Also, talk to your vet about things that can be done to increase the odds for your dog’s breed.
If your dog seems lonely because you’re not home all the time, get him a little friend. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical and mental. You can teach your dog to be helpful with and respectful of things in your house. Your dog will feel useful and like a contributing piece of the family, during the process of sharpening his mental capacity.
Be sure that your dog has some kind of identification in case it were to escape from your home. A good way to ensure your dog is returned if he is lost is to attach an identification tag to his collar. This tag needs to have the dog’s name as well as a way to contact you. Have you considered micro-chipping your dog?
Too many trainers spoil the process. People have different ways of doing things, and having multiple commanders can confuse your dog. One person should be the trainer, and everyone else can act to reinforce good behaviors.
When your dog has a bathroom accident on the floor, be sure to thoroughly clean the area. You must make use of an effective cleaner and a strong odor remover. If you do not clean up the mess well enough, your dog might just go again in the same spot.
Sometimes we think it’s okay to feed our pups some of what we are eating. Some foods are okay, but many foods aren’t good for dogs. Grapes, chocolate, and caffeine are all things that you should never give your pup. These can be fatal if ingested.
Establish house rules that your pet must follow, and remain firm by them. Perhaps your partner is gone for the night, and you are thinking it’s ok for the dog to sleep on the bed. This is bad for the dog, as it will be unable to grasp why they are allowed to do something this time, but not other times. Try not to make any exceptions to the rules that you have laid down.
If your dog whines, resist the urge to comfort it. Comforting him could affirm that he is worrying for the right reason. Stick to games your dog knows well, so that it’ll be easy for it to forget about whatever has it upset.
Now that you have read this article, it should be easy for you to know how to take care of your furry friend. There are many things your dog can eat besides what is in the store. Keep the information you’ve read here in mind as you work towards providing the right care for your dog.
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