Basic Dog Care Advice For The Newcomer
Dogs are wonderful pets to have around. There is a reason that dogs are the most popular pet! They are loving, affectionate and always up for a good time. They make wonderful friends. You must become a good companion to them by making sure they’re cared for properly. Here are some ways to do that.
It is important to puppy-proof your home. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Keep house plants out of his reach, especially if they could be poisonous.
Since your dog cannot talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog’s non-verbal language. Don’t force interaction with other pets or people if your dog is showing reluctance. This could cause your dog to harm a person or another dog. You need to keep your eyes open for these signs.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. 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. An annual vet visit can help you find problems early.
Do not feed your dog “people food”. If you feed from the table, he’ll become a beggar and stop eating his own food. You might be wrecking your dog’s health by giving him table scraps. Put your dog in another room while the family eats, and do not allow him to reenter the dining space until dinner is done.
Be sure to have your dog 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. Dogs that are neutered or spayed don’t have strong urges to leave their home, reducing their chances of getting hit by a vehicle or getting lost.
Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. Some puppies take longer to develop, and some types of food may be too rich, leading to an upset belly or vomiting. Use care when feeding your dog.
Make sure to keep prescription drugs out of the reach of your dogs. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. Make sure you have your veterinarian’s number handy in case your dog does accidentally swallow your medicine.
If you are not sure of how much to feed your dog each day, talk to your vet about it. Most dog food packages include guidelines but keep in mind that these instructions might not be adapted to your dog. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog’s specific needs are.
Anti-flea products are dangerous. Some medicines can put your children in harms way. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.
If your dog will be outside, he will need a dog house. Remember that dogs exposed to cold and damp or excessive heat are far more likely to become ill. Keep your dog out of the wet weather and the wind by building a shelter that keeps them dry and gives them room.
Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. You need to reward good behavior. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.
Don’t force anything into a dog. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. When you get your dog you should spend some time with it to learn exactly what kinds of things it enjoys.
Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already. You need to ensure your dog gets their shots.
Keep the nails on your dog trimmed. If they get so long that they start curling under, your dog will probably hurt a lot. Find some good clippers you can use to trim your dog’s nails yourself. If you can’t do it by yourself, you might want to try the groomers; it does not cost a lot.;
Exercise your dog frequently. Exercise and play are necessary for a dog. They keep the dog fit and healthy, both physically and mentally. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it’s just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. Every time you play with or exercise your dog, you will find that you are promoting a lasting bond.
Schedule a vet appointment before adopting a shelter dog. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. That is why it’s important to have a full checkup and a course of vaccinations before you bring your puppy home.
Follow through according to your vet’s suggestions if your dog needs something special or has medicine. He may want out of that cone immediately, but he needs to keep wearing it! Your vet will recommend things that are good for the health of your dog, so make sure that you follow his advice.
When it is time to buy dog food, avoid buying the cheapest brand. It is important that your dog get nutrient dense, good quality food. While this could mean that you’re going to have to pay more money, you can know that you’re doing the best for your dog to keep it healthy.
Certain dog breeds are prone to specific health issues, so be aware of what is typical for your dog’s breed. Research the breed of your dog and take steps to ensure he does not get any infections or diseases. Speak with your vet about the positive steps you can take to help your dog avoid these sorts of breed related problems.
Trim any hair that’s around your pup’s paws so it doesn’t get matted up. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
There are many ways to show your dog how cherished he is. Like a lot of things, people notice bad behavior more often that good behavior. This may eventually cause problems. Dogs need to be praised five times more frequently than scolding. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.
If your dog seems unhappy and is alone a lot, consider getting a second dog. Dogs like to be around their own kind. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
Choose the food your dog eats very carefully. There are a lot of foods out there, but you have to choose foods that are right for the size and age of your particular dog. Although the temptation to feed your dog scraps off the table, this is not the most healthy diet for your dog.
Be cautious with your female dog if she’s in heat. If you don’t, she may become pregnant. Males can smell her scent for miles. This may cause a fight or impregnation if a male dog spots her.
You might feel the urge to feed your dog a piece of your snack. This is true of some snacks, but not of others. Some foods you cannot give your dog are chocolate, grapes, or any caffeine. These types of food are very detrimental to your dog’s health.
When it comes to training your dog, you should never have several people in charge. People have different ways of doing things, and having multiple commanders can confuse your dog. You should have one person take charge of the training procedure, and then ask everyone else to follow their lead once the dog has learned a few simple commands. This allows for consistency that is least likely to confuse your pet.
If you will be away from your dog for periods of time, consider crate training him. If you do this, your house will not get messed up.
Bring your dogs to their scheduled appointments. From thyroid issues to heartworm, your vet can find something wrong which isn’t visible to the naked eye. Regular check-ups will keep your dog healthy, and may save you a lot of cash in the long run.
If you have a dog in the house, you need to set aside a place it to relax and sleep. If you plan to crate your dog, don’t let him sleep in your bed, even for a night. If you do let your dog sleep with you, be prepared to let him do it every night.
Your dog will be your best friend, and it’s only fair you return the favor. The advice you just read can help your dog remain healthy for many years to come. Your dog should have a great life, and after reading this, you both will.
Really consider what you’re feeding your dog. As in most things, some brands of dog food are much healthier than others. Interestingly, the best foods do not always cost a lot more than others. Talk to a vet about food recommendations for your dog, considering their health, age and breed. Feeding a good diet will help your dog live a long and happy life.
