Dogs are a great friend to man due to their love and affection. There is truth in that statement. If you understand how to deal with a dog, you will have a better relationship with him. This article will give you some great advice on having a dog as your best friend.
You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
When bringing dogs on vacation, it pays to take a photo of them to keep on your phone. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print “lost” flyers.
Try not to give a dog table scraps. If you do, he will hang around you constantly wanting more every time you eat. Your dog may also stop eating his own food as much. Overfeeding him will lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, too. Keep your dog away from the family dinner table for training purposes and to avoid any temptation.
Ask your vet what kinds of foods you should feed to your dog and what to stay away from. Sometimes, your puppy may not be developed enough to consume certain brands, as this can lead to an upset stomach or sicknesses. Use your vets advice and common sense to feed your dog properly.
If your dog behaves properly, be sure it is praised and given affection. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. This will also give your dog incentive to be good.
Make sure that your dog’s nails are trimmed weekly. When they start curling under, the dog runs the risk of experiencing pain. It is easy to purchase a pair of clippers and attend to these yourself. If your dog does not respond well when you try to trim the nails, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.
If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Shelter dogs could be sick or exposed to different viruses. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, but aren’t sure you want to make the commitment, try serving as a foster home. There are many animals that need love and care. Fostering is a great way to help a dog and get a feel for what having a dog is like.
Make sure the hair located on your dog’s paws is trimmed in order to prevent matting. A comb should be used first to straighten it before you do any cutting. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
Listen to your vet when he tells you how to administer medication or care. Dogs do not like having a cone around their head, but it was given for a reason. Recommendations that a vet makes are for the good of your pet and if you don’t adhere to these things it could be bad for your pet.
Dog Feel
If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. That might work to appease his anxiety during the time you aren’t home.
If you have one dog that seems lonely or is by himself often, consider another dog. Dogs prefer living in groups with other animals. By choosing another dog that matches your pup’s energy level and temperament, you’ll ensure that your dogs will be great companions for each other.
If you do not want your female dog to become pregnant, be careful with her when she goes into heat. Males can smell a female’s scent from a full five miles away. This may also make other dogs fight and it could also get her pregnant which will make her have puppies from an unknown source.
Dog Owners
Be politically active when it comes to your dog. Watch local legislation that passes to see how it regulates or restricts the rights and behavior of dog owners. Sometimes people might misjudge a breed. Speak for dog owners that are responsible by talking to your local officials.
Make sure that your dog goes to it’s vet for a checkup each year. The vet can spot things like thyroid problems, kidney issues and diabetes way before you detect it. It’s best to take your dog for annual physical, since that is the best way to ensure that there aren’t an problems that have gone undiagnosed for a long time. In the end, you will save money.
Dogs make for amazing companions. Dogs can enrich your life in so many ways. Now you know much more about having a happy, healthy dog. Using this advice will make your dog very happy around you.
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