Do you have a dog in your house currently, or did you own one previously? If this is the case, then you’re probably aware of how great it is to own a dog. But, there is always more to learn. This article will give you great dog advice.
It’s good to give hugs, but avoid giving kisses. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. Dogs will eat their own waste, dine on garbage, and gulp water straight from your toilet. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. Definitely do not believe that!
Your dog needs annual medical exams. Dogs can’t talk, so how do you know he has arthritis, for example? Check-ups can reveal that and more.
Neuter or spay the dog. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It’s been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. Besides, a neutered dog will be less likely to run away or to get in fights with other animals.
When training your dog, use hand gestures along with the verbal commands. It may be easier for your dog to learn commands if they see a visual signal. Look at both options and see if one particular way works best.
Try giving the dog rawhide versus actual meat bones. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. 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.
Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. Later on, it will help that you’ve fed your dog quality and nutritious food. While this could mean paying more for higher-end brands, your dog’s proper health will be guaranteed through eating healthfully.
Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. Schedule a visit with the vet right away. The vet will check him over and prepare him for vaccinations. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don’t want to make the problem worse.
You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. Your dog has to understand the “heel” command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. That way, your dog is safe and the walks are better for you as well. Even if you’re using loose leashes for walking here and there, make sure the dog understands this command.
Trim any hair that’s around your pup’s paws so it doesn’t get matted up. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
If you have a lone dog think about getting another if he is feeling lonely. Dogs generally like to have companions that are dogs. Ensure you carefully select your dog’s match based on behavior and energy levels. By doing this, both of your dogs will be happy.
Make sure you carefully consider what feeding program you will use with your dog. There are plenty of options, and you should find what best matches your dog’s age, weight and other characteristics. You may be tempted to give your pet leftovers, but this is not healthy.
Watch your dog’s diet carefully. A puppy is fine with eating calorie-laden food, as it helps him grow. On the other hand, adult dogs need less food and foods that are lower in calories to keep their weight in check.
Owning a dog can be extremely rewarding. You’ll get even more out of dog ownership when you’re knowledgeable about your pet. The above article should help you understand more about dogs. Enjoy every moment with your dog by putting them to use today!