Dogs are great pets to have because they’re always loyal and they’re good company. But, dogs are not simply born this way. You need to train them to ensure good behavior, and take good care of them. The following tips will help you learn more about your canine companion.
Just like people need regular yearly physicals, dogs need the same thing. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.
Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. Not only will table scraps turn your dog off on their regular food, but it will also teach them to constantly beg. You might be wrecking your dog’s health by giving him table scraps. Make your dog leave the room if he begins to beg, or train him to spend mealtimes in another room entirely.
Don’t get sub-par food for your dog that’s from a bargain store. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren’t the best for your dog. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Real bones can break into pieces that can then become dangerous due to how sharp and small they can be. Rawhide has been proven to be healthy for your dog. It is excellent for its teeth too, so do not give in to the temptation to give your dog a real bone no matter how hard it begs.
Always correct any bad behavior you see in your dog as soon as you see it. If you let it fester it can only make the problem much worse and eventually the dog becomes extremely difficult to train. Bad behaviors that are left uncontrolled can result in human injuries to you, your child, your friend or your neighbor. This is why it’s important to nip them in the bud immediately!
Your dog needs attention and shouldn’t be left alone outdoors all day. While this is what many people do, dogs require socialization with people and/or other animals. If there is only one dog, he may become lonely. You need to bring your dog inside the house when it is inclement weather outside.
If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. For instance, your dog may need a cone and not like it, but your vet prescribed it for a reason. When a vet makes a recommendation, it is for the safety and health of your dog; if you ignore them, that can lead to trouble.
Some breeds have inherent health issues you need to watch for. Research his history and figure out what problems he may be a candidate for. You can also speak with the vet about steps you can take to increase their lifespan.
If you have one dog that seems lonely or is by himself often, consider another dog. Dogs are, after all, pack animals; they usually like company that is like them. By choosing another dog that matches your pup’s energy level and temperament, you’ll ensure that your dogs will be great companions for each other.
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. She could also cause fighting among other dogs, along with becoming pregnant with an unwanted litter of unknown origin.
Bring your dog to a veterinarian regularly. Your dog should see a vet for check-ups, blood tests and to ensure they’re up to date with vaccinations. If your dog is younger, make sure that you go to the vet often. If your dog appears to be ill or injured, you should make a trip to the vet immediately.
Make sure you carefully consider what feeding program you will use with your dog. There are a variety of kinds of dog food on the market; you should choose something that is age and size appropriate. Feeding leftovers to a dog can save money, but a proper diet is harder to maintain with them eating leftovers.
When you are nibbling on a snack, you might be tempted to let your dog have a taste. Certain foods are okay for this, but some foods are not good for dogs. Chocolate, caffeine, and grapes are some examples of food that should not be given to dogs. They can make you dog seriously ill or even cause death if enough is ingested.
You may now understand that good dog care does not need to be difficult. It may take a bit more energy at first, but use what you learned in this article. By using the tips that you read here, it will be very easy to take care of your pup.