Every dog requires much more than being fed and a few pets. You have to show your dog attention and love at all times. Want to get a better idea of how your dog needs to be cared for? The following article contains helpful advice you can use when owning a dog.
Be sure your house is dog-proofed. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Cleaning supplies and medications should be locked away, and any indoor trash cans need to be put in a cabinet. Some plants in your house may be toxic to your dog, so they should be kept where your dog cannot reach them.
Take your dog to the vet at least one time a year for checkups. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. A checkup every year can make sure that issues are caught before he is suffering too much.
Neuter or spay your dog. Research suggests that this small thing can give extended life to your dog by reducing cancer risk. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Swallowing just a few pills could lead to catastrophic health issues for your dog, including a seizure or heart attack. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
Table Scraps
Try not to feed your dog any table scraps. If you do, he will hang around you constantly wanting more every time you eat. Your dog may also stop eating his own food as much. Feeding table scraps to your dog could lead to digestive problems or obesity. You can keep your dog healthy and avoid any temptation to feed it from the table by teaching it to spend dinnertime well away from your family.
If you’re trying to figure out what type of dog you might want to get, take a look at your lifestyle. For instance, if you like to go running, you’re not going to want a little dog that can’t keep up with you. If you much prefer to be at home, a small dog that enjoys a lot of inside time is an ideal choice. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.
When your dog is good, praise him immediately. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. This shows your pup that when things are done right, he will be rewarded.
Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. The cheaper brands actually contain a lot of preservatives, additives and other ingredients that can compromise your dog’s health. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. You will see a difference in your dog’s activity level and general happiness when you feed him “good” food.
Don’t force anything into a dog. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t force him to eat it. Learn about your dog’s various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
When making a dog food selection, the cheap stuff is rarely the best choice. Overall, your dog will benefit form a lifetime of quality food. Although it will cost you more, you can feel good about the fact that you aren’t skimping when it comes to what your pet eats.
If your vet has given you medication or special instructions for your dog, make sure that you follow them. Even if your dog resists, it is important for their health that you listen to the veterinarian. Your vet makes recommendations that will help your dog be happy and healthy, so you should follow your vet’s advice.
Pure Bred
If you’re thinking about getting a dog that is pure bred, keep the local pound in mind. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it. Contact your pound and ask them what breeds are currently there. You may be saving a dog’s life.
If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. That noise will help your dog feel more secure, and it will help him feel he’s not alone. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.
Be cautious with your female dog if she’s in heat. If you don’t, she may become pregnant. A male will be able to smell her from a far distance. Your dog could get into fights with other dogs or become pregnant.
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. Having the annual exam is the only way to diagnose problems that arise. By having a physical each year, you can avoid unnecessary expenses later on and your dog will not suffer.
Schedule a visit to the vet for your dog on a regular basis. Dogs need to be checked for heartworm and other health issues, and need to have any and all necessary vaccinations. Puppies have to go to the vet more often than older dogs. If your dog appears to be hurt or sick, they need to be brought to the vet immediately.
You will be able to master dog training if you invest a lot of time. This means that you will give your dog the life he deserves for being a loyal friend. Imagine yourself in your dog’s position. You would certainly hope your owners educate themselves as much as possible.
