Are you thinking about adopting a dog from the pound? Do you want a purebred animal instead? No matter your reasoning for getting a dog, your life will be changed by the love of your dog. A lot of responsibility is involved, and reading this will help you understand what you can expect.
You need to take your older pet to the vet at lease once a day. Your dog can’t speak to tell you he’s in pain. An annual checkup can help catch such issues before they become a major problem.
Since your dog can’t talk to you, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. This may lead to someone getting bitten. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. This way, should he get lost, you have a picture you can show others. You can also use the picture to hand our “lost” flyers.
Table Scraps
Fight the urge to feed table scraps to your dog. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Table scraps can negatively affect the dog’s health and cause digestive issues or obesity. Keep the dog away from your table when you eat to avoid any temptation on both parts.
If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Protect your dog from wind and precipitation by giving him a shelter that has a dry floor and plenty of space.
You won’t just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. Brushing daily can ensure your dog’s coat is shiny and healthy looking. Brushing distributes the natural oils of your dog’s fur evenly and it promotes the health of his skin as well.
Don’t feed your dog the cheap stuff. In the long term, it’s crucial to feed healthy, high-quality food to your dog. While this could mean that you’re going to have to pay more money, you can know that you’re doing the best for your dog to keep it healthy.
Identification Tag
Tag your dog with proper identification to make sure that you can bring him home if he is lost. A popular way to ensure your dog gets back home safely is to make them use a breakaway collar that has an identification tag. This identification tag needs their name and your own contact information. Micro-chipping is an even better method.
When you train your dog remember that the end result might be ruined if too many people try to take charge. Everyone has their own methods, and experiencing a number of them can leave your pooch confused. Therefore, ensure that only one person is doing the training. The other people should only reinforce the person’s rules and stick by them.
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. You need to see if they are going to be compatible or not. If you find one that gets along with your current one, you’ll save yourself a lifetime of headaches.
When you eat snacks, you might be tempted to offer some to the dog. Certain foods are okay for this, but some foods are not good for dogs. Onions, garlic and chocolate are just a few foods which are intolerable to dogs. If your dog eats these foods, it could be detrimental to his health.
Some vitamins are not beneficial for dogs. A balanced diet may be all that your dog needs. Excessive amounts of some vitamins can harm the bones, joints and blood vessels. Always seek your vet’s advice before giving supplements to your dog.
If you are starting to train, start by rewarding them in different ways. This will make things more fun and enjoyable for your dog. Pieces of sausage or tasty dog treats will work for a dog that is motivated by food. On the other hand, if your dog enjoys playing with toys, provide him with a new toy whenever he behaves. Other dogs may respond to affectionate petting and rubbing.
This article has provided you with an understanding of what your dog will need, so go find your new pup! Always be open to new information about dog ownership, and learn from your dog as well. Join online forums and mailing lists to talk to other owners. Keep learning throughout your life.
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