Caring for dogs is a major responsibility.It’s almost like you have a small child that barks.While it is a tough job, all you need is the right knowledge. Keep reading for some useful dog ownership advice.
Make sure your home is safe for your dog. It is important that you bring a dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Make sure all of the medicine is put up. Some houseplants are toxic to pets should be removed from your dog’s reach.
Consider the situation before allowing a dog to kiss your face. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. You don’t know where your dog’s tongue has been, and you’re better off not knowing. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. This is not in the least bit true.
Hugs are great, but kisses should be avoided. Dogs are always getting into garbage, dine on garbage, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. It is not true that dogs have cleaner mouth than a human’s is folklore. It simply is not necessarily true.
Since your dog can’t talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog’s non-verbal language. If your dog gets stressed when meeting a new dog or person, don’t force your dog to socialize if it doesn’t want to. This may cause another dog or person getting bit. Look out for non-verbal hints so that the dog is telling you.
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 your dog seems hesitant when meeting another person or dog, do not force them to interact. This could lead to the other dog or person getting bit. So pay attention to your dog’s demeanor and make your judgement from these cues.
Your dog may pick things easier when they are given these signals. Try both ways and see which your dog prefers.
Your daily lifestyle can help guide your choice of dog breed. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a dog that loves to run too, not a toy-poodle. If you much prefer to be at home, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. You will be much happier when you make a choice that fits well with your personality.
If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Speak to your vet about your dog be eating each day. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Ask your vet what the right meal plan is for the proper amount based on your dog’s needs.
Your dog needs a dog house if it is going to be outside in cold weather. If his feet get wet, extreme temperatures can be stressful and bad for his health. Keep your dog safe by giving him the dry shelter he needs.
Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Ask your vet for recommendations instead, and keep children away while you’re applying flea treatments.
Don’t force your dog eat something they don’t want to eat. If you’re trying to get your dog to eat a new treat and it’s not showing any interest, do not force the issue. Learn what he likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
Take your time to teach your dog what kind of behavior when you first see it. You could end up with a dog that hurts other people, so get a handle on it now.
Practice training your dog in your house or yard. Don’t train them in any areas full of people. They might feel distracted and not learn a thing.
A lot of people give their dogs in the pound when they can no longer keep their pet for whatever reason. Just give a quick call your local humane society to see what breeds they may have available. You could save the life of an abandoned dog this way.
If your female dog is in heat, you need to be careful if you’re not trying to get her pregnant. A male dog is able to smell her scent from as far as five miles in the distance! This may cause a fight and it could also get her pregnant which will make her have puppies from an unknown source.
Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. Some puppies take longer to develop, and some types of food may be too rich, leading to an upset belly or vomiting. Be careful when it comes to what you feed your pet.
Use a cleaner specifically made to clean and remove pet odors. If the scent from his excrement remains behind, he will be likely to mark it again.
Make wise choices when choosing your dog’s food. You may be tempted to give your pet leftovers, but this is very unhealthy.
Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Finding a dog that matches your personality will make both of you happy.
If you already own a dog and are getting another one, take your existing dog to meet the potential new one. Dogs are social creatures, but some are more effective at socializing than others. Finding dogs that are compatible is a good way to save you headache and heartache.
Those who want to care for dogs should take it seriously. Just like caring for a kid, your dog must have what it needs so it can survive. It’s a hefty task, but you are more than qualified to do it. This article can help you take better care of a dog.
If your dog displays a good behavior, praise it or reward it with a treat. This is to let the dog know that you want more of that behavior. Your dog will soon understand that good behavior is rewarded with praise.