Dogs are great pets to have and can be very loving if you make sure that you properly care for properly. Learning about a dog’s needs is the key to its health and happy. Continue reading for great information on having a terrific relationship with your dog.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog’s mouth is extremely dirty. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. It simply is not the case.
Be wary about certain flea treatments to use on your dog.A lot of them have chemicals that can be harmful to children and can cause cancer. Talk to the vet to determine if there are safer for use around small kids.
This will show your dog that he is doing just exactly what you want. It teaches your pup that they will receive attention if they behave as you want them to.
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog’s health and even cause death. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.
Avoid buying your dog food. Cheap dog food contains lots of preservatives and additives that can be bad for health. Check with animal advocacy group for a list of foods you should be feeding your dog. Your dog will enjoy and benefit greatly from better food.
Don’t force your dog eat something. If you’re trying to get your dog to eat a new treat and it’s not showing any interest, leave it alone. Learn what he likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
Don’t allow your dog to leave your property without being on a leash even if you think your dog is well behaved. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.
Make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed nails. If they start curling under, your dog may feel a lot of pain. You can buy clippers and do them yourself. If you lack the confidence to do this job on your own, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food. It is vital to give your dog greatly if he is fed food that is nutritious and high in quality. While this could mean paying more for higher-end brands, you can know that you’re doing the best for your dog to keep it healthy.
Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. Most dog food packages include guidelines but keep in mind that these instructions might not be adapted to your dog. See what your vet recommends and adapt that to how your dog responds.
Follow instructions from the vet if the dog needs special attention or has medicine. Your dog may hate wearing a cone, but the vet prescribed it for good reason.
Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical exercise as well as staying mentally active. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other things around the house. This gives him a job to do and he’ll feel like an active member of the family.
Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues. Your dog needs a space that is dry and provides him with adequate shelter.
If your dog is in heat, be very careful with her around other dogs or she may become pregnant. Male dogs can tell your dog is in full heat up to five miles away. This may also make other dogs fight or impregnation if a male dog spots her.
Always take your dog’s yearly check-up. Annual dog physicals can prevent lots of money later for owners and keep them from suffering now.
Put a leash on your dog at all times when walking him. To properly walk your dog, he must remain directly at your side instead of behind or in front of you. Walking this way will help to keep your pet safe, and it will make it easier for you to enjoy walks too. Your dog needs to get used to this.
Are you aware that some vitamins can actually harm dogs? Your dog should not need vitamins in addition to eating a well-balanced diet. Too many of some vitamins can damage joints, particularly the bones, and blood vessels. Speak with a vet before beginning any dog vitamin regimen.
Just because your dog is outside doesn’t mean that he does not need less attention as an indoor dogs. Your dog could develop bad habits like digging or barking if it’s left isolated for too long.Your dog could even become nervous or fearful of people. Give your pet a lot of love and play with him often if you want him to stay happy.
If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. There are many animals that need love and care. Lend a hand by fostering a dog, and determine if it is a good fit for you and your family.
Don’t have high expectations for your dog. Your dog will not be able to pay attention for very long when training it.
This is an essential part of the dog’s development process and grow as a dog.
Do not keep your dog outdoors all day. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with others. Your dog may be lonely outside if he is the only dog in your household. In addition, during snowstorms and rainstorms, you need to bring your dog inside to avoid bad weather and extreme temperatures.
It may look cute when your puppy chews on your slipper, but once that same puppy is full grown he can cause some serious damage to your things. You need to be sure that you teach your dog not to do something about these habits right away. When you see a puppy doing something “bad”, stop them right away. This can save on aggravation down the road.
There is nothing quite like the joy a dog can bring into the lives of its owner. Spend some time learning about the things that keep your dog healthy, loving, and energetic. This article should have provided you with great information on how to care for your pooch.
If you want a pure bred dog, do not discount the pound as a place to find him. Many pet owners will abandon dogs at pounds when they don’t want them or can’t keep them anymore. Call the shelter to find out which dogs they have available. You may even save a poor dog’s life.