There are various kinds of dogs out there and many types of family situations. By knowing a few things about caring for a dog, you can be better prepared to own one. Keep reading to find out more about making sure your pet is in good hands.
Being a dog owner can be very costly. Good quality dog food and medical care can cost between $700-1000 a year. Emergency vet visits can cost a ton, so think about purchasing health insurance for your dog.
Table Scraps
Try not to give a dog table scraps. This will make him want human food every time you have a meal. A dog fed on table scraps will be prone to unhealthy weight gain, disruptive digestive problems, and other health issues. While you and your family dine, keep your dog in another room so that table-feeding isn’t an option.
Don’t take your dog off of your own property without a leash, no matter how well-behaved he is. A wild animal could draw his attention and make him run off into danger, or an unexpected provocation could result in some unpleasant situation with other people and their dogs. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.
Provide your dog with rawhide to chew on rather than actual meat bones. Real bones can chip and fragments may become lodged in their mouths or digestive tract. In contrast, rawhide has health benefits for your pet.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Your dog needs a space that is dry and provides him with adequate shelter.
The daily brushing of your dog’s coat is beneficial, in more ways that just stopping constant shedding. A daily brush will make their coat radiant and shiny. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.
Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Dogs need routine activity and play in order to stay happy and healthy. Get out and do something with your dog. Go for a walk or play fetch. Exercise is a great way to bond with your pet.
If you’re considering becoming a dog owner, but are unsure if you’re ready to take the step, you can foster one. Many abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting for adoptions, but there is a lot of overcrowding and many resources are scarce. Fostering is a great way to help a dog and get a feel for what having a dog is like.
Your dog should not be left outside all the time. Dogs need to interact with people and other dogs. Your dog may be lonely outside if he is the only dog in your household. If you’re area is experiencing rain or snow, you’ll need to bring your dog inside to prevent your dog from getting ill.
Trim all hair surrounding the dog’s paws so that it does not become matted. You ought to use a comb as a means to straighten it before trimming. If you are not comfortable with this process, it would be a good idea for you to go and get it done by a professional groomer.
Health Problems
What types of health problems are typical for your dog? Research the kind of dog you have and see if there are any preventative measures you can take. Be sure to ask the vet if there is anything you can do in order to avoid health problems that run in the breed.
Make sure that your dog goes to it’s vet for a checkup each year. Your vet can identify health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid abnormalities before the problem is apparent to you. Annual exams can prevent lots of unneeded expenses later on.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. Praise your dog and give it a treat when it does something well instead of using punishments to get rid of bad behaviors. Humane training is better for years to come and it’s more effective. So be kind to your dog when you are training him; you will be rewarded with positive results.
Change your dog’s bowls daily. Your dog does not want to eat and drink out of dirty dishes any more than you do. Food bowls should be cleaned on a daily basis and fresh drinking water provided.
Do not set expectations too high for a dog. When you’re getting a dog trained, it may not have a long attention span. Spend a few minutes a day training your dog what you want him to learn.
Do you feel better prepared to care for your dog? Now you can adopt a dog with peace of mind. Apply the tips from this article, and do your best to keep your dog happy.
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