There are various kinds of dogs out there and many types of family situations. Knowing what do you want to get as well as how to take care of that dog is a big decision. Read more if you want to know how to give your dog the care it needs.
Just as you need an annual physical exam, dogs do as well. Dogs can’t talk, so how do you know he has arthritis, for example? Annual checkups can catch these things before they become major problems.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print “lost” flyers.
You shouldn’t allow your pet off your property if it’s not wearing a leash, even if he is extremely well-behaved. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and safety.
The dog breed you choose should blend in well with your lifestyle. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn’t need much outdoor time. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. Though some folks feed whatever the package recommends, those guidelines are not always appropriate and can lead to overfeeding. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog’s needs.
Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog’s health. Professional associations and dog advocacy groups may offer lists of the highest quality foods available. Your dog can really benefit from better food.
If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. Shelters for abused or homeless dogs are often looking for temporary homes, called foster homes, where dogs can live until they are adopted out to a permanent home. You can give one a home for a while to help the cause and you can also keep it if you like it!
Become familiar with the medical peculiarities of the breed of dog you have chosen. You should do some research on the dog breeds you are interested in to learn more about the health issues they are likely to develop. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
Dog Owner
When it comes to your dog, you need to be aware of the laws in your area. Keep an eye on legislation that might regulate or restrict your rights as a dog owner. Breed-specific laws are typically the result of media hype. You should speak out as a good dog owner, and talk with officials in your area.
Bring your dog to the vet for an annual check-up. Vets can do early screening for thyroid issues, diabetes and kidney problems before your dog has symptoms. This means reduced medical expenses for you in the long run, and it can also save your dog from a lot of pain and suffering.
It is crucial that you take your dog into see the veterinarian on a regular basis. Your dog needs to see a vet for full check-ups, heartworm blood testing, and for making sure all of their shots are up to date. If your dog is younger, make sure that you go to the vet often. If your dog seems ill or becomes injured, you must take it to a vet immediately.
Positive reinforcement is a great tool when training a dog. Praise and rewards will help the dog learn faster than dominance and violence. It’s just a much better solution for immediate results and for the long term relationship too. Be kind to your dog and you’ll see some great results.
You should not always use the same rewards when training your dog. Each pet is different, and therefore, what motivates him or her is going to be different as well. Use food as a positive reward when you start. If your canine likes playing with toys, tug of war might be a good game for them. Occasionally, a dog may just want to be petted for their reward.
It is very important for you to monitor all of the food your dog eats. Young puppies need foods rich in calories to grow. When they become adults, if they eat too much, they can become obese which is not healthy.
Do you feel better prepared to care for your dog? Now you can adopt a dog with peace of mind. Use the information that you read here to ensure that you have a happy, healthy family dog.