Unsure About Caring For A Dog? Learn The Best Tips Here!
Isn’t it wonderful to have a dog? There is a reason why they call dogs a man’s best friend, as they sure do make a great companion to just about anyone. Dogs love to play, love to give affection, and are very good at cheering their owners up. A dog makes a fabulous companion. For this reason, you must provide your dog with excellent care and good companionship. Here are some things you can learn if you need to know more.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. Dog kisses are adorable, but your dog’s mouth is really dirty. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. Many people believe that the human mouth has more germs than that of a dog – this isn’t true. However, this simply is not the case.
Since your dog can’t talk to you, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. If you notice your dog is hesitant to meet a particular person or dog, don’t force it. If you do, someone may get hurt. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.
When you get a puppy, have him fixed at around two years old. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.
When you’re thinking of taking a dog with you when you travel, snap a photo of the animal with your phone. This ensures that, should he get lost, you have a current photo, ready for showing around or being used in flyers.
Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Give your dog a shelter that is spacious and dry, and your dog will be protected from the hard winds and dampness.
If there are prescription medications in your home, be sure to keep it out of your dog’s reach. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Avoid pushing things that your dog dislikes onto him. If you got them a treat and they aren’t interested in it, don’t make them eat it. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn’t like.
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. A large number of them contain high doses of carcinogens and other hazardous ingredients. Ask your vet for recommendations. Be sure to keep children away while you’re applying any flea treatment.
You won’t just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. It’ll also give them a very beautiful and shiny coat. When you brush your dog, the oils on their skins are spread, creating skin that is soft, shiny, and healthy.
Try using hand signals when training a dog instead of just using verbal commands. Your dog might learn commands more easily using this approach. Experiment with each way and determine what works.
Don’t feed your dog the cheap stuff. High quality foods are always your best bet. Sure, it’s more expensive. But, isn’t your pet worth it?
If your dog needs to be outside during cold months, buy him a house or build him one. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Build a shelter yourself or purchase a kit from the nearest pet store.
When you get a new dog, schedule a visit with a vet. Directly after getting your dog, be sure to make a check up appointment with a trusted vet. The vet will examine your dog. Set up an appointment to have your dog fixed, too.
Stop trying to force your dog to do things. If your dog doesn’t like a treat you give him, let it go. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.
Certain dog breeds are prone to particular health issues, so find out what is typical for the type of dog you have. Find out what health problems to expect and learn how to prevent those that your dog is prone to developing. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action.
If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. Dogs are abandoned daily at such facilities, and they are in need of new homes. Call the pound to see what they have available. You can save the life of an abandoned dog this way.
You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. To properly walk your dog, he must remain directly at your side instead of behind or in front of you. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. Even if you’re using a loose leash from time to time, you should still train your dog so that it understands when you issue that command.
Female Dog
A dog should not be left outside all day. Dogs need to interact with people and other dogs. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.
Take care any time a female dog is in heat, as you likely do not want her to become pregnant. Male dogs can pick up the scent of a female dog in full heat up to five miles away. This causes fights as well as sexual behavior.
Trim hair around a dog’s paws so that hair mats don’t form. Clean and comb the hair before you trim it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you’d probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they’re doing.
Your dog needs to wear some sort of identification in case he escapes your house. A good way to ensure your dog is returned if he is lost is to attach an identification tag to his collar. On the tag, make sure to include your pet’s name and your phone number. It is also possible to get your dog micro-chipped.
If you have one dog that seems lonely or is by himself often, consider another dog. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. Match them up carefully by temperament and energy levels and your dog should be in canine heaven!
Affection works both ways; love your dog as much as he loves you. Using the tips in this article to help you, you can take even better care of your dog. You and your dog will both have the happy life you deserve when you make use of the information in this article.
Your dog needs to have mental stimulation as well as ways to become physically active too. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. Your dog will feel like a useful member of the family, and the reinforcement will keep his training sharp.
