Dog ownership is a tradition stretching back hundreds of generations. Humans and dogs have proven that they are just meant to be side by side, through thick and thin. Since you’re the owner, you have to understand the needs of your dog to ensure it’s well-being. Here are some things that you should do to make sure your dog is happy.
Make your home dog-proof. It should be perfectly safe before you bring a dog in. Hide medications and chemicals, cover your trash, and put food where he can’t get to it. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
Take your dog to the vet at least one time a year for checkups. Your dog can’t talk, it might be difficult to find out what is wrong if there is an issue. Getting your dog checked up on annually will allow you to know if there are any problems.
Owning a dog takes a bit of money. Dogs require quality food, medical care, and general supplies that can vary in costs. Emergency care for animals can cost thousands of collars, so think carefully about getting pet health insurance.
Obviously, dogs are unable to sleep. Therefore, you have to pay attention to your canine’s non-verbal cues. You should never pressure your pet into interacting with strangers, be they human or canine. This may cause another dog or person to get bit. Keep an eye out for your dog’s hints, and do what he needs you to do.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. This ensures that, should he get lost, you have a current photo, ready for showing around or being used in flyers.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
In the same way that a yearly physical is helpful to you, a yearly trip to the veterinarian is a must for your dog. Your dog can’t speak to you, which means it isn’t easy to tell if they’re having a tooth ache or issues with arthritis. Regular checkups will help you find these issues prior to them becoming a serious problem.
Beware of flea treatments for your dog. Many contain ingredients that are dangerous to children. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.
Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. He could easily get spooked by something and run off into harm’s way. Ultimately, you’re the one who’s responsible for your dog’s safety, as well as its actions.
Be sure to address your dog’s bad behavior when you first notice it. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road. If you don’t get his behavior under control, your dog could end up biting someone.
Anti-flea products are dangerous. They contain carcinogens proven to cause cancer in kids. Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.
Speak with a vet as soon as possible if you are adopting a dog. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. It’s smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.
Trim hair around a dog’s paws so that hair mats don’t form. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
Some dogs are more likely to suffer from health problems and so you should know what to look out for in your dog. Take the time to read up on your breed so that you don’t get any surprises down the road. You can also speak with the vet about steps you can take to increase their lifespan.
Resist the urge to give your dog table scraps. This can make your dog not want to eat his dog food, and it will promote begging. Table scraps are also not nutritionally sound for a dog, and this might mean digestive problems, obesity, and other ailments. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.
In the case your dog has separation anxiety, leave music or the television on when you leave your house. The sound will help him feel more secure and not as alone. It may help them conquer their anxiety while waiting for you to return.
Too many trainers spoil the process. Everybody does things differently, and a dog can be confused by having several commanders. One person should be in charge, and everyone else needs to reinforce everything this person teaches the dog.
As a dog owner, you need to make sure your pet gets everything it needs. This process isn’t too difficult if you’re aware of what goes into it, so use what you have read here to help. Just implement a few of these tips into your household plan, and you will see some serious improvements in your dog very quickly.
Avoid the bargain brands of pet food. Less expensive dog foods include fillers and additives that are not beneficial to 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 benefit greatly from better food.
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