For thousands of years now, dogs have been domestic animals. The bonding of dog and man has been mutually satisfying on many levels. It is your job, though, to take proper care of your pup. You should keep reading to learn more about being a good dog owner.
Get your dog spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can reduce your dog’s risk of cancer and make them healthier in general. Besides, a neutered dog will be less likely to run away or to get in fights with other animals.
Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.
Don’t let your dog out of your property without wearing a leash, regardless of how well he behaves. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. Your dog’s safety and behavior are your responsibility.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. If you are more of a homebody, a smaller, less active dog who enjoying being pampered is the better choice. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. It is important to follow guidelines for the sake of your dog’s health. Check with you vet to find out about the feeding guidelines for your particular dog.
Take your time to teach your dog what kind of behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. When you ignore this behavior, your dog thinks that it is okay. 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!
Get your new pet a veterinary exam. As soon as you bring your new dog home, make an appointment with your vet. Your vet will provide a full check up and establish vaccination dates. Also, be sure to speak to the veterinarian about neutering or spaying your dog. There are plenty of dogs already in the shelter, and you don’t want to increase that problem.
Train your pet on how to behave correctly when leashed. He should be on your side, not behind or ahead of you, and he should know how to respond when told to “heel.” Walking like this can keep them safe and help you enjoy walks too. Even if you decide to give him additional slack on the leash from time to time, teaching your dog to heel remains an important task as a pet owner.
If your vet gives you special instructions for your dog’s care, follow them to the letter. While a cone around the head is not a pleasant experience for your pet, it may be a necessary requirement for a short time. It is always best to follow the recommendations shared by your veterinarian.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. Lots of dog owners take animals to the pound when they can’t care for them any longer. Paying a trip to your local shelter might help you to find the exact dog you have been searching for. Taking this option may save the life of a dog.
Get involved with politics and stick up for your dog! Keep up with local legislation to learn about new changes that might have an effect on your situation as a dog owner. This is just motivated by some bad apples or a certain breed. Talk to responsible pet owners all around you by contacting your local officials.
Make sure your dog gets an annual health check-up. If your dog is regularly checked out by its veterinarian, they’ll be able to catch things like diabetes or kidney problems before they grow into a major issue. By having a physical each year, you can avoid unnecessary expenses later on and your dog will not suffer.
Your responsibility as the owner of a dog is to provide him with everything he needs. Apply the tips you just read to make sure your dog is happy and in good health. Just try some of these tips, and you will see a positive difference in your dog.