A dog can make for a wonderful addition to any person’s life, just as long as the dog is properly cared for. The key to having a happy and healthy dog is taking the time to learn about their needs. Keep reading to learn more about the many things you can do to keep your dog happy.
If you are on any kind of medication, you should ensure your dog never gains access to it. Taking just a few such pills can have devastating consequences for a dog. You should contact your vet right away if your dog swallows some medication.
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
Keep a leash on your dog at all times. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. You’re responsible for their actions and safety.
Anti-flea products are dangerous. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
Speak with your vet about the amount of food you should be feeding your dog each day. Though some folks feed whatever the package recommends, those guidelines are not always appropriate and can lead to overfeeding. Ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure which brands are best for your dog or need help with quantities.
Do not feed your dog from the table. This can make your dog not want to eat his dog food, and it will promote begging. Table scraps can also be unhealthy and lead to excess weight and digestive problems. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.
If you want to keep your dog outside, build him or her a small shelter. Particularly if his feet get wet, extended exposure to extreme temperatures causes stress and can lead to health complications. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.
Don’t let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they’re well behaved. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. You are responsible if your dog does this.
Don’t force your dog to eat something. If you’ve purchased your dog treats that it doesn’t want to eat, set them aside. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.
It can be really helpful to incorporate hand signals with verbal commands when first training your dog. These types of signals are sometimes easier for a dog to learn. Experiment with each way and determine what works.
If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Shelter dogs could be sick or exposed to different viruses. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.
Make sure that you’re giving your dog enough exercise. Dogs need game time and regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy and happy. Get out and do something with your dog. Go for a walk or play fetch. Not only does it give them the exercise they need, but it also improves your relationship with your dog.
When buying your dog’s food, do not get the cheap stuff. Over the course of the dogs life he will be much healthier if you stick to high quality food with plenty of nutritional value. 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.
When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you’ve brought him home. This should be one of the first things that you attend to when you’re bringing home a new pet. The veterinarian will do a full checkup and set a schedule for his vaccinations. Also see about getting your dog fixed because there are tons of animals in shelters and adding to that problem isn’t good.
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. Lots of dog owners will leave their dog stranded whenever they don’t want it anymore. Simply call the area pound to determine which breeds are available. You may save a poor dog’s life if you do this.
Always teach your dog to walk properly on a leash. He should know the “heel” command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. This will not only make your walks more enjoyable, but it will also help keep your dog safe. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.
Really show your dog some love. Like many things in life, many owners pay much more attention to bad behavior than good behavior. Your dog will develop more behavioral problems if you adopt this attitude. Rather, be sure to give praise five times more frequently than you reprimand. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.
If you are considering a dog but aren’t sure, why not trying providing a good foster home for a dog? A lot of shelters that take in homeless or abused animals have a way to let you adopt them for a while. Fostering a dog will both help the cause and allow you to test drive the responsibility involved with pet ownership.
If you have a lone dog think about getting another if he is feeling lonely. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. Get one that is similar in energy level and temperament and your dog will be in heaven.
If your vet has given you medication or special instructions for your dog, make sure that you follow them. The dog may not be fond of the treatment or medication, but it’s for its health. If your veterinarian recommends something, it’s because it’s what’s best for your dog. If you ignore recommendations, your dog could have some major health issues.
ID your pet. To make it more likely that your dog finds its way home to you should it become lost, outfit it with a collar that has identification tags attached. Include all personal information necessary on this tag. The dog could also get a micro-chip implanted in it.
Certain dog breeds are susceptible to some health problems, so make sure you know what is typical for the breed of dog you have. You might be able to prevent some conditions from developing by taking a little extra care of him from the beginning. Ask your veterinarian what steps can be taken to prevent issues that are common with your dog’s breed.
Annual Check
Think about how your life is lived, including vacations and events that you go to, before considering a dog. Many people romanticize having a dog, but the reality involves consistency, responsibility and commitment.
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. This will give your dogs the best chance to avoid life-threatening diseases. In the long run, annual check-ups save the owner a lot of money and prevent the dog from a lot of unneeded suffering.
Always use positive reinforcement when training your dog. Your dog will learn faster when you employ rewards and praise rather than negative reinforcement. Humane treatment in training is not only better for the dog in the long run, but will be more effective as well. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.
Dogs tend to get cuts and scrapes on their paws from things they step on. Washing a cut with antiseptic and using a bandage is an effective treatment for when dogs get small cuts. If the cut continues to bleed, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.
If you are starting to train, start by rewarding them in different ways. The goal is to learn what type of reward motivates your dog the most. If your dog is food driven, try using small pieces of hot dogs as a reward. Maybe your dog will respond better to a game of tug-of-war with a favorite toy. Some dogs are even driven by being rubbed and petted.
If an accident occurs on your floor, take extra care that all traces are removed. Use a product specifically designed to clean and remove pet odors. If you still smell dog waste, the dog could be emptied to return to the scene of the crime and repeat the actions.
During the warmest months of summer, it is especially important to care for your dog properly. Dogs are very susceptible to overheating. Offer an area that has lots of shade during the summer. Keep some cool (and clean) water around. Use some doggie sunscreen, too, since sun rays affect dogs.
When the weather outdoors become hotter, you need to search for ticks and fleas on your dog each day. Use a comb for fleas to get rid of them. Fleas or ticks can be destroyed through numerous products on the market. You can also consult your vet.
Be a firm person towards your pet. Do not let your dog get away with anything while training. Small dogs are even harder to discipline! Be firm with your dog if you want to prevent behavior issues. Giving your dog the scraps after a meal might be okay to you, but if you let things slide you may find your pet eating your dinner from your own lap!
Do not rely on a cold, wet nose to judge your dog’s health. There are many reasons for your dog’s nose to be cold and wet even if the dog is sick. Judge a dog’s health by demeanor, appetite, and energy levels. These indicvators will tell you how your dog feels. You can also check your dog’s temperature rectally.
Your dog’s diet is worth some consideration. Some brands are much better than others when it comes to dog food. Talk to a vet about food recommendations for your dog, considering their health, age and breed. You’ll likely find that what the vet recommends is best and will extend your dog’s lifetime.
There’s nothing that is the same as the happiness a dog brings to everyone. Spend some time learning about the things that keep your dog healthy, loving, and energetic. With any luck, the article above has provided you with some valuable information when it comes to caring for your best buddy.
Scheduling is important when you care for children, and this fact prepares parents well for handling a dog. A schedule is also important for a dog. When they don’t know what to expect in the day, they may become mean or cranky. Their behavior will mirror their mood. Therefore, have a set time for meals, play, and training.