Thought about getting a pet dog? Or, do you already have a dog? If any of these apply to you, keep reading. You will find many pieces of information that can make owning a dog a wonderful experience for years to come.
Take your dog to the vet at least one time a year for checkups. Since your dog doesn’t talk, you may have difficulty figuring out if a tooth starts hurting or where arthritis is developing. Getting your dog checked up on annually will allow you to know if there are any problems.
Make sure that your dog gets neutered. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
If your dog is coming along on a family vacation, keep a picture of him handy or take one using your phone. By doing this, in case your dog gets lost, you can provide others with a picture and easily put up flyers, which will assist in finding your dog.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. For instance, if you like to go running, you’re not going to want a little dog that can’t keep up with you. Likewise if you are quiet home-body, look for a smaller dog that enjoys pampering and living it up on your sofa. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog’s specific needs are.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food. Cheap dog food usually includes fillers (such as corn or soybeans) which are not appropriate for dogs. It may also contain poor quality ingredients which may hurt your dog’s health over time. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods that are recommended by professionals. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.
Do not try to feed your dog something they do not like. If your dog doesn’t want it, don’t force him to eat it. It will take you a little while to figure out what your dog likes and what he doesn’t, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. You never know what condition the dog might be in. Your puppy needs to get a few shots before you can safely bring it home.
Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. You will enjoy the time you spend doing these things with your dog as well. This doesn’t just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.
Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. There are many animals that need love and care. Not only will you be helping a dog in need, but it will help you figure out if you would like to become a dog owner.
Never leave a dog outside for long periods of time. Yes, people do this too often, but dogs require interactions with people and other dogs for their well-being. A dog by himself tends to be lonely and not motivated to do anything. Also, any extreme weather can cause problems for your dog.
Make sure you heed the vet’s instructions when it comes to medications and special care requirements. Your dog likely will not enjoy wearing a cone, but the vet prescribed it for good reason. Your veterinarian only has your dog’s best interests at heart, and if you don’t listen, you may inadvertently cause your dog harm.
Proper identification can help ensure that your pet is returned to you if he becomes lost. Consider purchasing a breakaway collar for your pet. The tag needs to have your name and phone number on it. Micro-chipping is another great option to help in the event that your dog gets lost.
Don’t let too many people train your dog. Many people do it differently than just having a few commands to give your dog. One person should be the master while the others reinforce what the dog is learning.
It is crucial that you take your dog into see the veterinarian on a regular basis. An annual check-up should include blood tests and any needed booster shots. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. You also should see a vet as soon as possible if your dog seems ill or gets injured.
Are you well-versed in the knowledge of what it takes to be a dog owner now that you read this article? There are many tips for you to take in. You will be relieved when you have a problem and already know how to rectify the situation. To have a good balanced relation with your dog, implement these tips every day.