Are you planning to adopt a dog from a shelter? Are you interested in getting a pure breed through a breeder? Whether you want a show dog or a loving old mutt, bringing a dog into your life will supply you with hours of love. This is a big responsibility, keep reading to find out what you can do.
Make your home suitable for dogs. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Put up all of your cleaning supplies and medications, and be sure you put away any trash cans. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.
Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. He probably doesn’t mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. This is completely wrong!
Make sure that your dog gets neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. Also, dogs that are fixed lose their desire to stray from the home, lessening the chance of them getting lost or hurt.
If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. If your dog happens to get into any such pills, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
Keep a leash on your dog at all times. A wild animal could draw his attention and make him run off into danger, or an unexpected provocation could result in some unpleasant situation with other people and their dogs. You are the only one responsible for your dog’s safety and his actions.
Which breed you need to buy depends on your lifestyle. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.
Don’t purchase cheap dog food. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren’t the best for your dog. Find a trusted group that offers a list of healthy dog food. Your dog will be much healthier if you feed it some healthy food.
Rawhide Bones
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Bones can lodge in the mouth or throat, causing devastating injuries. It has been shown that rawhide bones are safe and great for their teeth, so be sure to not give your dog that ham bone next time.
Correct your dog’s bad behavior immediately. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. If you don’t get his behavior under control, your dog could end up biting someone.
Daily brushing for your dog does more than simply prevent shedding. Their coat will become shinier when they are brushed everyday. When you brush fur, you’re also spreading around the oils that help keep your pet’s coat looking shiny and healthy.
If you are in the market for a pedigree pup, you just may find him at the pound. A lot of people give their dogs to the pound because they can no longer keep their pet for whatever reason. Speak to the nearest pound to see if an option suits you. You may even save a poor dog’s life.
Your dog needs exercise and entertainment. For example, train your dog to retrieve the newspaper or other helpful chores. Your dog will feel like a useful member of the family, and the reinforcement will keep his training sharp.
Know any canine laws that might affect your ownership. 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. Stand up for good dog owners and let local officials know your thoughts.
Keep vet appointments for your dog. Having the annual exam is the only way to diagnose problems that arise. An annual physical can save your dog’s life.
If your dog has an accident indoors, be certain you get rid of any sign of it. Use a product specifically designed to clean and remove pet odors. Your dog may do his business in the exact same area if his scent from the excrement lingers.
When the weather gets warm, start checking your dog for ticks and fleas. Utilize a flea comb in order to eliminate any fleas on your pet. A number of products saturate the market that help control fleas and ticks on your dog. Consult with your vet to learn more about flea and tick control.
You need to think carefully about getting a dog before you adopt one. There is a lot that comes with dog ownership and one can quickly fall for the face of an adorable puppy. Carefully consider the expense, the commitment of time and all the other important aspects of dog care before taking the plunge.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. Rewards and praise will help speed things along, and they work better than being violent. In addition, kind and humane treatment during training periods is healthier for your dog. Be kind to your dog and you’ll see some great results.
Dog care is now your expertise. Don’t stop your research here, as dog ownership details are updated frequently online. Learning about your dog is a lifelong venture. Learning goes on for your entire life, so embrace the process.
