Taking care of a dog is a big responsibility. It’s similar to caring for a kid, except they bark instead of cry. Becoming a good dog owner is easy if you are motivated and have enough time. Read on for some dog care tips.
Neuter or spay your dog. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer. They are also more likely to remain close to home, reducing their risk of becoming lost or getting injured by a car or another animal.
It doesn’t matter how good your dog is, you should never leave your property without keeping him or her leashed. There are quite a few things that could cause your dog to run off unexpectedly. You are solely responsible for the dog’s actions and for the dog’s safety as well.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. You don’t know where your dog’s tongue has been, and you’re better off not knowing. It is folk wisdom that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a humans. This is simply false.
Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, instead of a toy breed that cannot. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.
Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Speak with your veterinarian about what your dog’s needs are and what amounts are proper.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Real bones can break into pieces that can then become dangerous due to how sharp and small they can be. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. Several have cancer causing ingredients, and they can be especially harmful to young children. Talk to the vet about different forms of treatment that are safer for use around small kids.
Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.
If you’re adopting your pet from a shelter, it’s important that you take it to see a vet immediately. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.
Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. Once the dog arrive home, place a call to the vet and schedule that appointment. The veterinarian will set the dog up with the proper vaccinations and give it a routine health checkup. Remember that there is a tremendous dog overpopulation problem, so you should have your dog spayed/neutered.
Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. If your puppy is very young, it might not be ready to consume specific brands, and feeding them to your pup can result in sickness. Err on the side of caution when feeding food to your dog.
Teach your dog the right way to walk with a leash. He should stay by your side, not in front of or behind you, and respond to the command “heel”. Following this tip can make walking safer for your pet, and it can also make walks more enjoyable for both of you. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.
Local Pound
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. A lot of dog owners leave their pet at the pound if they do not want them or cannot keep them. Just call your local pound to find out what breeds they have available. This action could also help to save the life of a dog!
Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. See what your vet recommends and adapt that to how your dog responds.
If you’re the owner of a lone, lonely dog, you should consider getting a second pooch. Because dogs typically run in packs, they typically love being around other canines. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.
Taking proper care of your dog should be taken seriously. Your dog must be cared for as carefully as you would take care of a child. He must have what he needs to thrive. You can do a great job if you are motivated and want to provide the best environment possible for your dog. This article has provided you what you need to know.
We hope you found our article enjoyable. If you have a dog and would like advice learning about his or her behaviour, we would highly recommend that you look into the resource below which provides a lot of relevant information about puppy training:
