Lots of people have had the experience of having a pet. If you’re a proud dog owner or have thought about bringing a pet into your home, there are a number of things you need to know. The following information in the article down below offers great dog tips to help you properly care for your new furry friend.
Be sure your house is dog-proofed. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Put cleaning supplies and medications away and keep indoor trash inside a cabinet. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.
Make sure that your dog is spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.
In the same way that a yearly physical is helpful to you, a yearly trip to the veterinarian is a must for your dog. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. Annual checkups can catch these things before they become major problems.
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. You might cause your dog to bite someone or another dog. By reading the body language of your dog, you can ensure that this does not happen.
When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. If the dog gets near the pills, then just a few of them could do serious harm and result in a trip to emergency room. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
If there are prescription and other medications within your home, keep them away from your dog. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. If you notice that your dog has consumed any of your medication, you need to immediately contact your vet.
Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. This will make him want human food every time you have a meal. Table scraps are also not nutritionally sound for a dog, and this might mean digestive problems, obesity, and other ailments. While you and your family dine, keep your dog in another room so that table-feeding isn’t an option.
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. Talk to the vet about different forms of treatment that are safer for use around small kids.
Brushing your dog daily will do more than keep them from shedding all over your home. Their coat will become shinier when they are brushed everyday. When you brush the coat, oils from the skin are distributed throughout, and this is makes the coat soft and silky.
Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. Your dog’s safety and behavior are your responsibility.
Your dog’s claws must be trimmed. If they get so long that they start curling under, your dog will probably hurt a lot. You can trim them yourself with a pair of store bought clippers. It is best to take your dog to the groomer if you do not want to do it yourself.
If you have a dog that does something right, like sitting when you’re getting out the leash, you should give the animal lots of praise and affection. Let a dog know that their behavior is what you wish to see. It also teaches your dog that when he does the things you want, he will get praised.
Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.
Avoid cheap dog food. Cheap brands usually contain preservatives such as sodium and other additives that can be dangerous for your dog’s health. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog will enjoy and benefit much more from healthier food.
When making a dog food selection, the cheap stuff is rarely the best choice. High quality foods are always your best bet. While this may mean paying higher prices for a premium brand, you can be assured your dog is getting the proper nutrients from wholesome sources.
Let your dog feel the love that you have for him. In life, it is far too common to give bad behavior more attention than good. This may spell trouble in the future. You should ensure you give your dog positive reinforcement. This increases the chance that your dog will repeat the good behavior rather than the bad.
Make sure you make and keep yearly vet appointments for your dog. A good vet will be able to easily spot problems with your dog way before you actually see something. This means reduced medical expenses for you in the long run, and it can also save your dog from a lot of pain and suffering.
Have your pet checked out by your vet on a regular basis. Your vet will give your dog an annual exam with any vaccines that your dog might need. If your dog is young, he will need to go to the vet more frequently. If your dog seems ill or becomes injured, you must take it to a vet immediately.
Dogs paws can be damaged by walking through areas that are rife with debris and broken glass. Washing a cut with antiseptic and using a bandage is an effective treatment for when dogs get small cuts. If the cut is deep, it is best to go to a veterinarian.
Any dog accident in your home should be cleaned up immediately. Utilize professional grade cleaners and odor removers as well. If your dog can still smell the spot, he may go to the bathroom there again.
You are probably tempted to give Fido a bite of whatever you’re having. This is true of some snacks, but not of others. Some foods you cannot give your dog are chocolate, grapes, or any caffeine. These food can have harmful effects on your pup’s health.
When choosing to introduce a new pooch to a home that already has one, it is best that you bring your current dog along to meet him. Just like people, dogs can have a personality clash. Finding a compatible dog will save you anguish and trouble.
You may not have known that some vitamins can harm your dog. Don’t give a dog extra vitamins. An excess of some vitamins can cause blood vessel damage, as well as damage to his joints and bones. Speak to a vet before beginning any dog vitamin regimen.
Dog ownership is not a responsibility you should take up without a lot of careful thought. Sometimes, it is hard to resist the adorable face of a puppy or dog, but remember how much is involved in the proper care of a pet. Take the time to consider everything first so that you can be confident that you are capable of managing it all.
Your dog should be as clean as you are. Although your dog doesn’t need to be cleaned as frequently as you would, you should try to bathe your pup every week. Not only will this help you to avert future skin problems – it’ll also help you to keep your house tidy.
Did you know that vitamins could actually be harmful to your dog? A balanced diet may be all that your dog needs. Too much of a good thing can compromise the liver, kidneys and other essential organs. Consult with your vet before starting your dog on a regimen of vitamins.
No matter what your schedule is, your dog needs to be walked every day. Your dog will benefit not just from the exercise, but also from the opportunities to see different things and encounter other humans and pets. Daily walks help your dog grow and become socialized properly.
You cannot judge a dog’s health by the coldness and wetness of its nose alone. There are multiple reasons a nose could be chilly and damp, and plenty of them don’t involve illness. Judge health by looking at your dog’s demeanor, appetite, and energy. These attributes will give you better cues into how your dog feels. You can also check your dog’s temperature rectally.
The happiest dogs are busy dogs. A large issue with a dog’s behavior is that the dog usually lacks some stimulation in their everyday life. This will make dogs chew on things, or do other behaviors that are bad. A good rule to consider is to exercise your dog daily. The more exercise he gets, the better.
Your training techniques should only use positive reinforcement. Giving your dog praise and rewarding them will teach them better and quicker than force or violence. Humane treatment during training is much more effective and much better for your dog over time. Therefore, be kind when training your dog and enjoy the great outcome!
Establish house rules that your pet must follow, and remain firm by them. You may think it is a good idea to let your dog join you in bed on the one night your partner is not home. This will give them the impression that it is okay to do. Never make exceptions to your rules.
Be firm. Sometimes people think it’s alright to give a dog table scraps or allow destruction of an item. This is particularly true when the dog is cute! Nonetheless, it is best to establish rules and maintain them firmly to avoid problems. For instance, you might not mind offering your dog your scraps when finished, but this can lead to your dog thinking it’s fine to jump and grab the whole steak from your plate!
Don’t get mad with the new puppy. Remember that it will take your puppy at least one month to adjust to his new digs. Anxiety may cause bad behaviors and can make training a little difficult. Be patient and do everything you can to make your dog feel comfortable.
After you’ve read over the above article, all of your dog care questions should be answered. So long as you apply these tips, you can avoid any issues. Just take your time and go over the article again if you have any questions.
Dogs need healthy teeth and gums just as much as people do. Taking proper care of him can help prevent cavities or infections. It is best to brush your dog’s teeth once each day, at the very least. Taking care of your dog’s teeth will ensure that they remain strong throughout your dog’s life.