Loyal dogs make great companions. But, you need to train your dog to be good. They need to learn what to do to behave, and they have to be cared for. This guide will allow you to learn those things and more, so continue on.
If there are prescription and other medications within your home, keep them away from your dog. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. They contain carcinogens proven to cause cancer in kids. Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
Never let the dog go off your land without its leash, regardless of its good behavior. There are quite a few things that could cause your dog to run off unexpectedly. As the owner, you will be held responsible for any damages your dog causes.
It is smart to use your hands to signal while dog training, as opposed to just your voice. When provided with signals of this type, dogs tend to pick things up faster. Test out both methods to see which works for you.
You need to ask your vet to make sure the food you are feeding them is good. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Use your vets advice and common sense to feed your dog properly.
Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Cheap brands are full of fillers, preservative and even chemicals. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. Your dog will be in better health when he has high quality food.
Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in cold weather. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Give your dog a shelter that is spacious and dry, and your dog will be protected from the hard winds and dampness.
When you brush your dog every day, you reduce shedding problems and benefit your dog’s health in many ways. Brushing daily can ensure your dog’s coat is shiny and healthy looking. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.
Save Money
Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. Long-term, the dog will do much better with nutritious, good quality food. It costs more, but you’ll save money on vet bills for health issues down the road.
If your dog spends a lot of time alone, think seriously about adding a second animal to your family. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Choose a friend for your dog that has the same energy level and temperament and you will make your dog very happy.
Keep dogs mentally active by giving them many opportunities for physical exercise. You can even teach your dog useful tricks such as fetching the newspaper for you. This will help your dog to feel like he is helping you out.
Ensure your dog will return by placing some type of identification on them. Have your dog wear a type of breakaway collar with identification to make sure they’re returned to you. Keep the ID tags updated with your current contact information. It is also possible to get your dog micro-chipped.
Make political decisions which will help your dog! Keep up with local legislation to learn about new changes that might have an effect on your situation as a dog owner. It often results from one bad breed or bad dog. Speak up for the rights of responsible dog owners everywhere by contacting local officials.
Don’t skip your dog’s annual checkup. The vet can detect things like diabetes, thyroid problems and kidney issues long before you see the signs of them. 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.
Conduct tick and flea inspection on your dog during the warm seasons of the year. Comb your dog with a good flea comb to eradicate fleas. There are also other products you may want to consider using to get rid of fleas and ticks. Talk to your vet if you are not sure which products should be used.
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. You can tell how your dog is feeling by watching his appetite and energy levels. These signs more accurately foretell the state of your dog’s health. If necessary, you can get a rectal temperature reading as well.
You should know that taking care of a dog isn’t that hard. It may seem slightly hard, but the tips and advice from above will help you move towards the proper way to care for your dog. Use the information here, and you’ll be able to take good care of your canine friend.