A dog can be a joy in life, but not always. You need to know certain things if you want to enjoy your dog’s company. This article will provide you with great tips to help you be a great pet owner.
It can cost a lot to take care of a dog. The costs associated with general and medical care along with high-quality food can be upwards of a thousand per year. Emergency visits to the vet can cost thousands, so you may want to invest in health insurance for your dog.
Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. However, this simply is not the case.
Make sure you are using the right flea treatments on your pet dog. They contain carcinogens proven to cause cancer in kids. Ask the vet about flea powders and other products that are less hazardous for kids.
Do not fall prey to the temptation to feed table scraps to your dog. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. “People food” can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. Make your dog stay out of the room when the family is eating.
It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.
When it comes to buying food for your dog, don’t skimp by buying the cheap stuff. Long-term, the dog will do much better with nutritious, good quality food. You’ll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.
Your dog has to be leash trained. He should know the “heel” command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. Walking in this manner keeps your dog safe, and you are bound to enjoy walks more as well. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.
A foster home is something you can provide for a dog that needs it. Animals are overcrowded in shelters, and the resources available for them are not abundant. Fostering a dog will both help the cause and allow you to test drive the responsibility involved with pet ownership.
There are many different things needed to be the best dog owner you can be. Do not adopt the first cute puppy you see and take the time to do more research. A serious degree of responsibility is demanded. Have a wonderful time with your furry companion using the given information.