Many people have pets throughout their lives. If you are thinking about adopting a puppy, there are a few things you should know first. This article helps you to fine tune your skills as a dog owner.
It costs a lot of money to own a dog. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
Make sure your home is dog-proof. Before bringing home your new pup, make sure that it’s safe. Secure the trash can, stow way all medications and put away your regular cleaning supplies. Many common types of house plants can be toxic, so it pays to eliminate or move them.
When it comes to dog flea treatments, you should proceed with caution. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine’s non-verbal language. If you notice your dog is hesitant to meet a particular person or dog, don’t force it. This may cause another dog or person to get bit. You need to keep your eyes open for these signs.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. Something could distract him, like a squirrel or a cat, causing him to leave your side. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.
When you take your dog on vacation with you, get a snapshot of them for your phone. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print “lost” flyers.
When your dog is good, praise him immediately. It’s important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. This shows your pup that when things are done right, he will be rewarded.
When you have to train a dog, your home and/or yard is the right place to do it. It is not a good idea to train them in areas where a lot of people are present. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.
A trip to the vet should be at the top of your schedule if your new dog’s last home was the animal shelter. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. Your puppy needs to get a few shots before you can safely bring it home.
Ask your vet what kinds of foods you should feed to your dog and what to stay away from. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to properly digest certain brands, sometimes causing an adverse reaction. Be careful about which foods you feed your dog.
Make sure your dog engages in sufficient amounts of exercise. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, instead of a toy breed that cannot. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Selecting the right dog will make you both happier.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, but aren’t sure you want to make the commitment, try serving as a foster home. There are plenty of animals sitting in homeless shelters who desperately need a home due to over-crowding and limited shelter resources. You can foster one to help out the cause and find out if you want to keep one!
If you are not sure of how much to feed your dog each day, talk to your vet about it. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. Therefore, ask your vet the acceptable amount of dog food your dog needs to ensure its health and well-being.
Be careful with your female dog when she is in heat, if you don’t want her getting pregnant. Male dogs can tell your dog is in heat when they are five miles away. This can lead to aggression among other males, and you certainly don’t want to be left with an unexpected litter of pups.
Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog’s health. Get a list from an animal advocacy or consumer awareness group of the highest recommended foods to give your dog. Your dog is going to be healthier if he eats better.
Be politically active on behalf of your pooch! Look to see if your local government is passing laws which limit dog owners’ rights. This typically occurs because of a certain kind of breed that has attacked other people, usually because of the negligence of the owner. You should always call the authorities.
Rawhide treats are better for your dog than real meat bones. Pieces can break off of the real bone, which may cause your dog to choke. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.
Dogs can cut their paw beds when stepping on glass, rocks or other debris. If you find a small cut on your dog, wash it with antiseptic fluid and bandage that area. Go to a vet if it seems like the cut is very deep.
Trim your dog’s nails regularly. Once they get to a length where they are curling under, this is likely to cause your dog some pain. You can do this yourself using a pair of dog clippers from the pet store. Can’t hack it? Take them to the groomer instead.
You dog should go to the vet on a regular basis. It’s important that the dog sees a vet every so often to make sure there aren’t any shots that they might need. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. If you see any signs of injury or illness, talk to your vet immediately.
Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. You never know what condition the dog might be in. That is why it’s important to have a full checkup and a course of vaccinations before you bring your puppy home.
When it becomes hot, do tick and flea inspections. Use a flea comb on your dog’s fur. If the infestation is bad, there are treatments available. Talk to your veterinarian about such products or any other options that are available.
Be sure to schedule a check up for your new friend with a trusted veterinarian. In fact, do it the same day as you bring the pet home so you don’t forget. Your vet will administer the necessary shots and make sure your dog is in good health. Also see about getting your dog fixed because there are tons of animals in shelters and adding to that problem isn’t good.
Prior to bringing home another dog, arrange a meeting between your current pet and your prospective pet. Dogs happen to be social creatures, but that doesn’t mean they all get along. Finding dogs that like each other will save you headache and heartache in the long run.
Do not leave your dog outdoors for extended periods of time. While this is what many people do, dogs require socialization with people and/or other animals. Only having one dog can cause him to get lonely. You need to bring your dog inside the house when it is inclement weather outside.
Don’t think that a dog’s health status can be determined by how its nose feels. Even if your dog is sick, there are different reasons his nose may be wet and cold. Instead, look at how energetic your dog is, as well as his demeanor and appetite. They’ll all really tell the story of your pet’s health. A rectal thermometer will come in handy to see if your dog is feverish.
Trimming around the paws of your dog will ensure your dog’s fur doesn’t get matted. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog’s fur before trimming. If you’d prefer, you could have a groomer do this for you.
When engaged in dog training, stick to the methods that use positive reinforcement. Praise your dog and give it a treat when it does something well instead of using punishments to get rid of bad behaviors. Humane treatment in training is not only better for the dog in the long run, but will be more effective as well. Be kind and you will enjoy great results.
If you have a dog that doesn’t look like it’s very happy because it’s always alone, think about getting your dog a friend. Dogs are animals that love to be with other dogs. Choose a friend for your dog that has the same energy level and temperament and you will make your dog very happy.
Be consistent. Dog owners often feel that it is no big deal to sneak foods to their pets or allow them to destroy certain toys. This happens even more with really cute dogs! But, if you stay firm, you can avoid accidents. For example, you might give your dog table scraps after you have eaten, but your dog might think there is nothing wrong with jumping on the table and eating your entire meal.
Watch if your female dog is in heat if you do not want her pregnant. A female’s scent can travel a very long distance. This can cause dogs to fight over her, and she may get pregnant by a dog you are unfamiliar with.
Consider taking a course in dog training. You will have a better life, and so will your dog, if you train it well and teach it to obey the commands you give it. While puppies usually learn commands easier than adult dogs, older dogs are still able to learn.
Stay politically active for the sake of your dog. Watch to see if there are any laws passed that affect your situation as the owner of a dog. These pieces of legislation are typically motivated by a single incident, one particular breed or a limited number of misbehaved dogs. Speak up for the rights of responsible dog owners everywhere by contacting local officials.
Even if your life is hectic, your dog needs to be walked daily. Walks provide your pet with important exercise, but it’s also one of the only chances it has to make new discoveries and socialize with new people. That is essential to development and growth, so prioritize walks.
These tips will help you become a better owner for your dog. Incorporate the tips you learned here and use them when caring for your dog, and soon you’ll see a remarkable difference in the life of your dog. Simply take things one step at a time and re-read this article if you are unsure of anything.
If you’re bringing a new dog into your house, you’ll have to figure out where that pet will be sleeping. If you want them crated at night, do not let them start sleeping in the bed with you. If your dog will be in your bed, make sure that it is something that you’re comfortable with doing every night.