Dogs require more care than just feeding and petting. Regular care is an essential part of his life. Want to get a better idea of how your dog needs to be cared for? Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a veteran of many previous canine relationships, you just might pick up a new trick or two from the handy dog advice tips this article has to offer.
Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. 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. Many people believe that the human mouth has more germs than that of a dog – this isn’t true. It certainly isn’t the truth.
Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Your dog will not be able to express its concerns, so make sure that you get it a checkup periodically. Annual checkups can catch these things before they become major problems.
Don’t buy your dog cheap dog food. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog’s health. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog will enjoy and benefit much more from healthier food.
Correct your dog’s bad behavior immediately. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
Follow instructions from the vet if the dog needs special attention or has medication. They might not be fond of having a cone attached to their head, but your vet recommended it. Your vet makes recommendations that will help your dog be happy and healthy, so you should follow your vet’s advice.
Make sure you provide your dog with affection on a regular basis. Many owners inadvertently spend more time focusing on their pet’s negative behaviors than on all the good things they do. This causes problems with dog behavior. Instead make it a habit to praise your dog much more often than any scolding. Make it five times to any one. Your dog will be far more likely to try to behave properly.
If your dog seems unhappy and is alone a lot, consider getting a second dog. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Matching a dog up with another of a similar disposition will make your dog very happy.
Be politically active on behalf of your pooch! Watch for local legislation that may be passing through the system, restricting and regulating dog owner’s behavior and rights. It’s often only motivated by the actions of a specific breed or a few bad apples. Be sure to voice your concerns in regards to dogs and dog owners by staying in touch with local officials.
Remember the expression “Too many cooks spoil the soup” when training your dog. Be sure that each person working with the dog uses the same commands and responses. Pick a single person to be responsible for all training, and let others support the decisions made by demanding the same standards of behavior from the dog.
Dogs will commonly get cut when they’re walking because of the various debris on the ground. If your dog has a tiny cut, use an antiseptic to wash it with and then bandage the area. If you believe your dog has a deep cut, you need to visit your vet.
Get to your vet on a regular basis. Your pet will need to go to the vet so it can get tested for heart worms, get a general check up, and to see if the shots are still up to date. You will have more frequent vet visits if you have a puppy. If your dog shows signs or injury or illness, you must see a vet immediately.
When it becomes hot, do tick and flea inspections. Use a flea comb on your dog’s fur. A number of products saturate the market that help control fleas and ticks on your dog. Try to get your vet’s opinion on these products or what you can do to help your dog.
You are more likely to become a dog expert when you do your research. Treating your dog with love and care is what you have to do. Doesn’t it stand to reason that your dog craves responsible care from you as well as love and affection?