Dog care is a huge responsibility. This is not something you can just jump into with no information. The following article has the tips and advice you need to properly care for your dog.
Make sure that your dog is 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. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.
If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. Call the vet immediately if you suspect that the dog has swallowed the medication.
While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is. Dogs will eat their own waste, dine on garbage, and gulp water straight from your toilet. Many people believe that dogs’ mouths do not have as much germs as humans’ mouths. However, this simply is not the case.
Don’t purchase cheap dog food. Many of the cheapest brands contain additives, preservatives and other things that can compromise the health of your dog. Get a list from an animal advocacy or consumer awareness group of the highest recommended foods to give your dog. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
Try not to force your dog to do new things. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. Learn what he likes and what he doesn’t.
Some dog breeds are more prone to problems than others and you should know if your dog could have problems. If you don’t know the type of dog he is, research it so you will know the type of problems your dog could have. Also, talk to your vet about things that can be done to increase the odds for your dog’s breed.
If you are on any kind of medication, you should ensure your dog never gains access to it. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog’s health and even cause death. If you find that your dog has eaten any medication, you should call a vet as soon as possible.
Make sure you are providing your dog with the opportunity for plenty of physical exercise as well as staying mentally active. You can even teach your dog useful tricks such as fetching the newspaper for you. Many dogs were originally bred to work, and will get frustrated if you do not give them a job to do.
When you select food for your dog, do so with care. A variety of foods are available, but that doesn’t mean they’re all perfect for your pet. Ask your vet for advice.
When you are snacking, it may be tempting to share with your dog. Keep in mind that some foods are unhealthy for dogs. Onions, garlic and chocolate are just a few foods which are intolerable to dogs. There are many foods that can harm your dog’s health.
Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. Cheaper brands usually contain lots of additives and preservatives that can harm your dog’s health. Use a consumer awareness or animal advocacy group to obtain a list of the best foods that come with the highest recommendations by professionals. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
Your training techniques should only use positive reinforcement. Praise and rewards will help the dog learn faster than dominance and violence. Treating your dog well isn’t just the humane thing to do, it’s effective. So treat your dog kindly when training and you will see better results.
If you are starting to train, start by rewarding them in different ways. You need to figure out what motivates your particular animal. If food works best for your dog, reward it with tiny hot dog pieces. If he likes to play, engage him in a game when he successfully performs the action you are looking for. Some dogs will consider petting as a reward.
Even if you have a dog that is kept outdoor most of the time, the pet still needs plenty of love and attention. They’ll develop bad habits like chewing, digging, and barking if they’re constantly left alone. The result might even be an aggressive pet. Play with him often and let him know you love him, and he will be happy.
Don’t force your dog to do anything. If you’ve purchased your dog treats that it doesn’t want to eat, set them aside. Learn what he likes and what he doesn’t.
The bowls your dog eats and drinks from need to be washed regularly. This will keep your dog clean and sanitary. Wash your dog’s bowls daily and keep them full of clean water and fresh food.
Remember, your dog isn’t a human. When you’re getting a dog trained, it may not have a long attention span. Limit your training periods to five minutes at a time and be sure to exercise a high level of patience.
Properly caring for your dog should be easier now that you know more on this topic. Show a relaxed nature towards the dog and be patient to them as they will reciprocate in kind. Learn as much as you can, and enjoy the time you spend with your companion!
Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Exercise keeps your dog healthy, both physically and mentally. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. Not only will your canine buddy get the stimulation required for staying healthy, the two of you will bond much more closely.
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