You can really enjoy bringing a dog into your family as long as you care for it properly. If you understand what a dog needs, you can provide it to them. Read on for tips to help you have a great relationship with your dog.
Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. Hesitant dogs need to be taken out of fearful situations. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
If you are teaching your dog, do it at home. Avoid training your dog where many people are present. They might feel distracted and not learn a thing.
Don’t buy your dog cheap dog food. Cheap brands usually contain preservatives such as sodium and other additives that can be dangerous for your dog’s health. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog will appreciate your research.
If you are going to get a dog from the shelter, make a appointment with the vet. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. It’s smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.
Certain health issues plague particular dog breeds, and you need to know what those conditions are for the type of dog you own. Research the kind of dog you have and see if there are any preventative measures you can take. Talk to your vet about prevention, too.
Make sure that you can get your dog back by ensuring they carry some type of identification. A popular way to ensure the return of your dog is to use a breakaway collar and ID tag. Include all personal information necessary on this tag. You may also want to install a micro-chip into your dog.
Dogs can cut their paw beds when stepping on glass, rocks or other debris. If your dog experiences a cut, wash the area with antiseptic and put a bandage on it. If it is a very deep cut, you should take him to a vet.
When the weather outdoors become hotter, you need to search for ticks and fleas on your dog each day. You can also use a comb to expel any fleas. If the infestation is bad, there are treatments available. Speak with your vet before using anything and ask them what your options are.
When you select food for your dog, do so with care. Since there are so many, you should find one that is made for your particular dog. You may be tempted to give your pet leftovers, but this is not healthy.
If you’re having a snack, you may feel like it would be okay to give your dog a bite. This is okay with certain foods, but some things are very bad for a dog. Dogs should never be given things such as grapes, chocolate and caffeine. These can be fatal if ingested.
A dog can enrich your life. It is best, though, if you have knowledge about keeping your dog happy and healthy. Hopefully this article has helped you learn more about caring for your dog.