Canine Tips You Need To Know About

There is little out there that’s like getting a dog when you want loyalty and love. Dogs can be great family pets or great pets for people living alone. Continue on for some excellent tips about understanding how to properly care for your dog.

TIP! An annual checkup at the vet is a great idea for your dog. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain.

Since your dog can’t talk to you, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn’t attempt to force its interaction with them. It could end up with someone getting bit. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.

When bringing dogs on vacation, it pays to take a photo of them to keep on your phone. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print “lost” flyers.

TIP! Use flea treatments with caution. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Talk to the vet to determine if there are other options for your dog.

Don’t let your dog out of your property without wearing a leash, regardless of how well he behaves. He can be scared away by some wild animal, or an unforeseen provocation with another dog can result in an unpleasant situation. As the owner, you will be held responsible for any damages your dog causes.

Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.

TIP! If your dog behaves properly, be sure it is praised and given affection. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for.

Allow your lifestyle to dictate the type of dog you adopt or purchase. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. If you are a homebody, a small dog that lounges around a lot is a good fit. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.

If your dog does something the correct way, such as sitting before you put the leash on, make sure that you give it tons of affection and praise. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. It will show your dog that doing the right thing will earn him praise from you.

TIP! Rather than purchasing an actual meat bone for your dog, go with rawhide instead. Real bones can break into pieces that can then become dangerous due to how sharp and small they can be.

When obtaining a shelter dog, you need to set up an appointment with your local vet immediately. 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.

The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. If you’re too scared, take him to the groomer instead.

TIP! When buying your dog’s food, do not get the cheap stuff. It is best to invest in quality dog food.

If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. For instance, your dog may need a cone and not like it, but your vet prescribed it for a reason. Any thing that your vet tells you to do should be done to ensure a healthy dog.

You might find a pure breed dog at the pound. There are often pure bred dogs at shelters and rescues, and they are desperately in need of homes. Just call your local pound to find out what breeds they have available. You could possibly be saving a dog’s life in the process.

TIP! If you wish to get a dog, but don’t know if you can commit to it, try getting a foster dog. There are many animals who need a temporary home until they are adopted.

It is a common occurrence for a dog to get a cut after stepping on glass or other debris. If your dog happens to get a cut, wash it thoroughly and put a bandage on it. If the cut seems unusually deep, take your dog to see the veterinarian.

Perform tick and flea inspections daily on the dog when it gets warmer out. If you do find fleas, you can use a flea comb. There are a lot of things on the market that will help you get your dog’s fleas and ticks under control. Try to get your vet’s opinion on these products or what you can do to help your dog.

TIP! Become familiar with the medical peculiarities of the breed of dog you have chosen. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have.

When you select food for your dog, do so with care. There are many options, but you should match your dog to food that was made for his age and size. While feeding your dog leftover food saves you money, it doesn’t make for a healthy diet.

Give serious thought to the idea of having a dog prior to adopting one. Dogs can easily steal your heart, but they also require a lot of care. Make sure that you understand all of the care dogs need so that you will know if you’ll be able to do it all.

TIP! You can find pure breeds at the dog shelter. People who aren’t fully committed to dog ownership often abandon their animals at the pound.

Train your dog using positive reinforcement. A dog learns quickly when he knows he will be rewarded. Humane training is better for years to come and it’s more effective. Be kind to your dog and you’ll see some great results.

Caring for a dog takes a lot of work. It is more than just providing food and walking your dog occasionally. Caring for your dog is of the utmost importance, and one in which you will need to learn. For many years of companionship and joy, follow the great advice in the article above.



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