No matter if you are a current or prospective dog owner, you surely realize all the things dog ownership entails. This isn’t something that you can just do from day one. Read this guide for great dog care advice.
When you are training your dog, it is always best to incorporate the use of hand signals in addition to using verbal commands. These signals will help you keep your dog under control in a noisy environment. Test out both methods to see which works for you.
Talk to your vet about how much your dog should eat. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. See what your vet recommends and adapt that to how your dog responds.
Don’t purchase cheap dog food. Cheap brands usually contain ingredients that can be harmful to the health of your dog. Get a list from an animal advocacy or consumer awareness group of the highest recommended foods to give your dog. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Rawhide treats are better for your dog than real meat bones. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is healthy and good for their teeth, so don’t share that T-bone no matter what faces they make.
Your dog will need a dog house if it is going to be outside in colder temperatures. If his feet get wet, being exposed to extreme weather can cause health issues and stress. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.
You won’t just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. When you brush the coat, oils from the skin are distributed throughout, and this is makes the coat soft and silky.
When it is time to buy dog food, avoid buying the cheapest brand. Your dog will enjoy greater health benefits from nutritious food. Although the food may cost more, you know that your dog is receiving the correct nutrients from quality food.
Take the time to train your dog on a leash. Make him walk at your side, and do not let him pull far in front of you or stay far behind. Use the command “heel” to prompt him. Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. This will also help to prevent your dog from choking themselves, when trying to pull ahead.
Some dog breeds are more prone to problems than others and you should know if your dog could have problems. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to. Also, see what advice the vet has in terms of helping your dog overcome breed liabilities.
If your dog is a female and in heat, you need to be careful if you’re not trying to get her pregnant. A male dog is able to smell her from up to five miles away. In addition, a female dog in heat can cause fighting among dogs in the local area. If you don’t want a set of puppies, keep her away from male dogs.
Get involved with politics and stick up for your dog! Watch local legislation that passes to see how it regulates or restricts the rights and behavior of dog owners. Many times new, overly-restrictive ordinances have incredibly broad impacts when they’re only intended to affect a tiny minority of pet owners. Take action and speak up on behalf of your pet by calling or emailing local officials.
Make sure that your dog goes to it’s vet for a checkup each year. If your dog is regularly checked out by its veterinarian, they’ll be able to catch things like diabetes or kidney problems before they grow into a major issue. By having a physical each year, you can avoid unnecessary expenses later on and your dog will not suffer.
Now that you know more about your dog, your concerns about providing good care may have eased. You must remain loving and patient and you will soon see that your dog appreciates it. Keep reading to learn more, too.