Even if you don’t have a dog yet, you likely know what a big responsibility dog ownership is. There is a lot to learn about taking proper care of your dog. The following article will help you to be the best dog owner possible.
Just as you need to keep up with your annual doctor’s appointment, your dog needs to see his vet annually too. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. A yearly checkup will help you find any problems before they become huge issues.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. This way, should he get lost, you have a picture you can show others. You can also use the picture to hand our “lost” flyers.
Avoid letting your dog walk without a leash outside of your property, regardless of how well he behaves. Dogs are easily distracted by other animals, cars, and kids, so always make sure to keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and safety.
Always give your dog lots of praise and hugs when it does something right. It’s important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. In this way, your dog will learn that desired behavior brings praise.
Don’t force your dog to do anything. For instance, don’t force it to eat a treat that it appears to hate. The best judge of what your dog likes is the dog himself. Fancy name brands mean nothing.
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. If your dog is not under control, he could end up hurting you or someone else.
You should always trim your nails. If they start to curl, your dog may feel a lot of pain. You can use store bought clippers to trim them yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own then you can hire a groomer to do it for a little bit of money.
If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. It’s crucial that your pet has all necessary shots before it’s brought into your house.
When you buy dog food, avoid the cheap stuff. When you look at the big picture, it is good for your dog to consume nutritious, good quality food. While this may mean paying higher prices for a premium brand, you can be assured your dog is getting the proper nutrients from wholesome sources.
Follow your vet’s advice when it comes to medications and special care requirements. He may want out of that cone immediately, but he needs to keep wearing it! The directions that you get from your vet are focused on the health of your pet and ignoring them can be detrimental to your pet.
Properly caring for your dog should be easier now that you know more on this topic. Love and patience are key to a happy relationship with your dog. Keep reading to learn more, too.