Want To Get A Dog? Try These Tips
Many people have had pets around them all of their lives. There are many things that you will need to learn though. Read on to find some great tips from experts and owners alike.
Choose the correct flea medicine for your dog. Quite a few of them use ingredients that are very unsafe for kids, including an ingredient that has been linked to cancer. Talk to your vet to learn about flea treatments that are safer and more family friendly, and always keep flea medication out of reach of children.
Never allow your dog to leave your yard without a leash even if he seems very trustworthy and calm. Dogs are easily distracted by other animals, cars, and kids, so always make sure to keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. You’re responsible for everything your dog does, and for his safety. as well.
It is a good idea to use hand signals when you are trying to train your dog, instead of just relying on verbal commands. These types of signals are sometimes easier for a dog to learn. Give both methods a try to find out which works best for your particular pup.
Don’t force your dog to eat something. If you purchase a treat your dog doesn’t appear to like, just try another brand rather than making him eat. It’s important to take your pets likes and dislikes into consideration and to not push them into anything unnecessary.
When you get a new dog, schedule a visit with a vet. This should be done as soon as he is adopted. Your vet will administer the necessary shots and make sure your dog is in good health. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.
If you wish to get a dog, but don’t know if you can commit to it, try getting a foster dog. There are many animals who need a temporary home until they are adopted. Fostering a dog will both help the cause and allow you to test drive the responsibility involved with pet ownership.
If your dog seems sad and lonely, consider investing in a friend for him. Dogs are known to be pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. Choose another dog whose energy level and temperament matches your dog’s, and you should have a good match.
ID your pet. To make it more likely that your dog finds its way home to you should it become lost, outfit it with a collar that has identification tags attached. The tag needs to have your name and phone number on it. You may also consider having a micro-chip implanted.
It is a common occurrence for a dog to get a cut after stepping on glass or other debris. If your dog suffers from a little cut, it should be washed with some form of antiseptic and the bandaged. If the cut seems deep, have a vet check it out.
Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Dogs must see their vet for full exams, vaccinations and routine testing. Puppies must visit the vet more often. If your dog appears to be hurt or sick, they need to be brought to the vet immediately.
Vitamins aren’t always good for a dog. Don’t give your dog extra vitamins if he’s eating a well-balanced diet. You can cause damage to your dog’s joints, bones and circulatory system with excessive vitamins. Speak with a vet before starting your dog’s vitamin regimen.
Even a properly contained, outdoor dogs need a lot of attention. He is likely to begin barking, digging holes or chewing if you do not give him enough attention. Your dog could also become nervous or fearful of people. Love him and play with him to avoid these problems.
Always keep an eye on your dog’s diet. Foods high in calories are fine for puppies who are growing. On the other hand, adult dogs need less food and foods that are lower in calories to keep their weight in check.
Avoid high expectations with your dog. Your dog’s attentions span is not going to be long when training it. Be sure to be patient and to only try to train your pup in many small intervals each day.
Walk dogs each day, regardless of how busy you are. It provides your dog with the proper amount of exercise and can allow him to see the world around him. This is very imperative for your dog’s health.
Check with your vet about the type of food you should be feeding your dog. Depending on your pet’s age, and his or her medical condition, he may require a specialized meal plan. Certain types of food can be harmful for a dog with certain medical conditions. Your veterinarian can recommend the best diet plan.
Your puppy looks cute nibbling your slippers, but when he’s full grown, it will not be cute to have him shred them into millions of pieces. Nip any of these bad habits in the bud. Anytime your puppy does something you don’t want him doing, stop it immediately. This will ensure your dog is better behaved down the road.
Don’t leave the dog alone for extended lengths of time. While you do work, your dog is going to be used to that schedule, but you want to carefully consider other alone times. Leaving a television on or some kind of noise like the radio can make your dog feel much better. If you’re away frequently, you might want to look into hiring a pet sitter so that your dog won’t feel abandoned.
There is a lot that goes into owning a dog as evidenced by this article. If you simply apply the techniques in a thoughtful way, you are bound to succeed. Simply take things one step at a time and re-read this article if you are unsure of anything.