What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Their Pets
It is important to never take the responsibility involved in owning a dog too lightly. It is up to you to provide a healthy and loving environment for your dog. Knowing what it takes to achieve this balance with your dog means learning all you can, so educate yourself fully by reading the information which lies below.
Have your dog spayed or neutered. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It’s been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Not only do you have to buy food, but you have to pay their vet bills and purchase other items that they need. You could spend as much as a thousand dollars in one year on your pet! Pet insurance can be very helpful since emergency medical care for your dog can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances.
Be sure to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Since your dog doesn’t talk, you may have difficulty figuring out if a tooth starts hurting or where arthritis is developing. Annual checkups can catch these things before they become major problems.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. They contain carcinogens proven to cause cancer in kids. Ask your vet for recommendations. Be sure to keep children away while you’re applying any flea treatment.
Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. Cheaper brands usually contain lots of additives and preservatives that can harm your dog’s health. Looking at a pet advocacy group website can give you recommendations of the best food for your dog. Your dog will be in better health when he has high quality food.
Practice training your dog around your home, where you and your pup can be alone. This allows you to control how many people are there while the training takes place. The more people there are, the more difficult training will be. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.
If you have an outdoor pet, build a shelter for him or buy one that is ready to use. Your dog could get sick if he is left outside in the cold or if the ground is wet. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.
If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. Even though many people stick to the label on the can or package of the dog’s food, sometimes these guidelines might not work for the type of dog that you have. This could lead to your dog becoming obese. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog’s specific needs are.
Your dog must learn to walk on a leash correctly. The dog needs to stay beside you, not behind or in front of you. It also needs to know the command “heel”. This ensures his safety and will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
When it is time to buy dog food, avoid buying the cheapest brand. When you look at the big picture, it is good for your dog to consume nutritious, good quality food. This may mean higher costs for a better brand, but your dog will get great nutrition from proper sources.
Do not keep your dog outdoors all day. Even though a lot of people tend to do this, a dog requires human interaction to feel good. Your dog may be lonely if it is just him. Also, any extreme weather can cause problems for your dog.
Always follow your vet’s instructions to a tee. Your dog may hate wearing a cone, however it is prescribed for good reason. Vet recommendations are for the health and well-being of your dog and failure to adhere to them could result in serious problems.
You should carefully trim the hair near the paws to avoid matted hair. A comb should be used first to straighten it before you do any cutting. A professional groomer may be a good solution if you are confident about trimming the hair yourself.
Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. Lots of dog owners will leave their dog stranded whenever they don’t want it anymore. Call the pound to find ask what dog breeds are in house at the time. You could get the dog you are looking for and save a life in the process.
Make sure you provide your dog with affection on a regular basis. A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog. This can cause problems later on. Try praising them at least 5 times more than when you scold them. Your dog will probably show proper behavior more if this is done.
When you leave to work, leave music on for your dog just to be nice, or if he has separation anxiety. That noise will help your dog feel more secure, and it will help him feel he’s not alone. It might help with any anxiety issues.
If your dog seems unhappy and is alone a lot, consider getting a second dog. The company could do your pet a lot of good. Choose another dog whose energy level and temperament matches your dog’s, and you should have a good match.
Really show your dog some love. A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog. This often results in problems later. Remember to praise and be affectionate with your dog more frequently than you discipline him. When you do this, you’ll see much better behavior from your dog.
Dogs often get cuts from debris or pieces of glass. If your dog suffers a cut, clean it with antiseptic and bandage the wound. Deep or serious wounds must be seen by a vet.
Your dog needs exercise and entertainment. Train him to fetch the newspaper and help with other household chore. This will make your dog feel helpful and simultaneously keep your dog sharp physically and mentally.
Take your dog to the vet regularly. Your dog should see a vet at least twice a year to make sure they are in good health and that they do not need new shots. A puppy will have to visit the vet more frequently. At the first sign of illness or if your dog is injured, don’t hesitate to take him to the vet.
What new laws or regulations concerning pets will affect you? Look for changes in the local laws that govern pet ownership in your area. Many times new, overly-restrictive ordinances have incredibly broad impacts when they’re only intended to affect a tiny minority of pet owners. Speak up for the rights of responsible dog owners everywhere by contacting local officials.
If your pet slips up and uses the bathroom in your home, be sure to remove every trace of the mess. Use a cleaner that gets rid of smells. If your dog can still smell the spot, he may go to the bathroom there again.
Remember to bring your dog in for regular veterinarian check-ups. You need to make sure your pet is caught up on shots, and it’s smart to get tests done for heartworm and other issues. When your dog is still a puppy, it’ll need to go to the vet more often. It is also important to visit a vet immediately after seeing signs of injury or illness.
You should check your dog for ticks and fleas every day during the summer months. Comb your dog with a good flea comb to eradicate fleas. Certain products are geared to eliminate fleas and ticks. Speak with your vet about which options are best.
You can now start properly caring for your dog. You’ll get the greatest benefit from making the most changes. You will get the most out of the relationship with your pet if you do your best to keep it happy.
If you’re adding a second dog to your home, try to let your first dog meet the second before bringing it home. Dogs happen to be social creatures, but that doesn’t mean they all get along. If you find two dogs that can get along, you’ll save yourself some trouble.
