Many types of pets are available these days. You could bring home a bird or a lizard, a gerbil or a cat. If what you’re looking for is unconditional love, though, there’s no better bet than getting a dog. This piece illustrates proper dog care methods.
Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. This could lead to the other dog or person getting bit. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.
Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. A dog has a very filthy mouth. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! It is folk wisdom that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a humans. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
When vacationing with your dog, use the camera on your phone to snap a quick picture. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print “lost” flyers.
If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. If he just so happens to run away from you, you should have a picture so you can find him.
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. If your dog happens to get into any such pills, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
Don’t allow your dog to leave your property without being on a leash even if you think your dog is well behaved. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. You’re responsible for everything your dog does, and for his safety. as well.
Practice training your dog in your house or yard. Avoid training your dog in heavily occupied areas. Distraction ensues, and it is harder to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Stop trying to force your dog to do things. If you offer him a treat he doesn’t seem to like, do not make him eat it. You need to find out what your dog does and does not like.
Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. Using hand gestures can help your dog to recognize commands quicker. Try using both ways with your dog to see which works best.
You won’t just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. This is caused by the motions since brushing distributes oils that keep skin, soft, shiny and healthy.
Talk to your vet about what you feed your dog. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Always be cautious about dog food.
Clip your dog’s nails. If you neglect your dog’s nails, they will be in discomfort. Find some good clippers you can use to trim your dog’s nails yourself. If you do not want to take this matter into your own hands, hire a professional.
Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. If you much prefer to be at home, a small dog that enjoys a lot of inside time is an ideal choice. Selecting the right dog will make you both happier.
Take your new dog to the vet. Do this as soon as your dog arrives at your doorstep. The veterinarian will set the dog up with the proper vaccinations and give it a routine health checkup. Also talk to your vet about getting the dog spayed or neutered – there are already way too many dogs in shelters, and you really don’t want to add to this problem.
Avoid the bargain brands of pet food. Cheap dog food usually includes fillers (such as corn or soybeans) which are not appropriate for dogs. It may also contain poor quality ingredients which may hurt your dog’s health over time. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
Take some time to trim your dog’s paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. Before you trim, carefully run a comb through the hairs to separate them. Go to a professional groomer if you have a hard time doing this yourself.
Dedicate enough time to correcting bad behavior right away. If you delay too long, the behavior will get harder and harder to correct. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
Make sure you heed the vet’s instructions when it comes to medications and special care requirements. Your dog may hate wearing a cone, however it is prescribed for good reason. If you fail to listen to your vet, your dog may end up sick or injured.
Brushing your dog every day is going to stop them from shedding in your home, but more than that. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. Brushing helps to spread the oil on the skin which results in soft, shiny, and healthy skin.
If your dog gets anxious and lonely when you leave, put some music on before you head out. 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.
You should always trim your nails. If they get so long that they start curling under, your dog will probably hurt a lot. It is easy to purchase a pair of clippers and attend to these yourself. If you aren’t comfortable with this, invest a little money and take your dog to the groomers.
Get involved with politics and stick up for your dog! Keep watch on legislation in your area that may affect your rights as a pet owner. It often results from one bad breed or bad dog. Speak for dog owners that are responsible by talking to your local officials.
If you buy a new dog, set up a vet appointment as soon as possible. Schedule a visit with the vet right away. The vet will examine your dog. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don’t want to make the problem worse.
Make sure you make and keep yearly vet appointments for your dog. Your vet can identify health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid abnormalities before the problem is apparent to you. Annual exams can prevent lots of unneeded expenses later on.
When it comes to your dog, you need to be aware of the laws in your area. Watch to see if there are any laws passed that affect your situation as the owner of a dog. These legislatures generally arise from specific breeds or random cases of bad instances. Be sure you speak up and let your voice be heard by getting in touch with your local officials. Don’t allow bad apples to interfere with your rights.
If your dog has an accident indoors, be certain you get rid of any sign of it. Utilize professional grade cleaners and odor removers as well. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.
Bring your dog to a veterinarian regularly. You must keep up with vaccinations, heartworm testing and physical exams for your dog. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. At the first sign of illness or if your dog is injured, don’t hesitate to take him to the vet.
You need to perform daily tick and flea inspections on your dog as spring and summer approaches. If you find fleas, use a flea comb. The market is full of products that will assist you in keeping your pet’s fleas and ticks in check. Speak with your veterinarian about various flea and tick remedies.
If you already have a dog and want to get another one, allow your existing dog to meet the new one before you make your final decision. Dogs can be quite social, but some are more effective at socializing than others. If you find that your dogs are compatible, a lot of anguish and trouble can be saved.
Acquiring a dog for the first time is a huge deal, but you will be able to handle it. Keep learning all you can about your canine friend. Not only will it be an enjoyable way to pass time, but you’ll be able to effectively care for your pet.
If you’re eating a snack, you sometimes will feel like it’s a good idea to share with your dog. Some foods are okay, but many foods aren’t good for dogs. Caffeine, grapes and chocolate should never be fed to dogs. These foods can hurt your dog’s health.