It’s never going to be easy all of the time when you own a dog. You will have to care for him in many of the same ways that you would a child. How will you know what to do? The following tips will teach you how to take great care of your dog.
While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. Keep in mind that an animal’s mouth is full of germs. This is completely wrong!
Whenever you bring your dog along on vacations, take a quick snapshot of him and keep it on your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.
Whenever your dog performs a good action, such as sitting or staying, give it praise and rewards. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. It will show your dog that doing the right thing will earn him praise from you.
Daily brushing your dog has more benefits that just reducing shedding. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it’s just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
If you are considering a dog but aren’t sure, why not trying providing a good foster home for a dog? Animals are overcrowded in shelters, and the resources available for them are not abundant. Fostering an animal will help animals and help you decide whether or not you would like to keep a dog of your own.
If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. He may not like wearing a cone over his head, but it’s prescribed for a reason! You will leave your dog open to serious health problems down the line if you do not follow the advice from your vet for the health of your dog.
It is important that your dog is equipped with some kind of ID. A collar with identification is a great way to ensure that your dog is found and returned if it happens to get lost. The tag needs to have your name and phone number on it. Having your vet equip your dog with a micro-chip is a good idea.
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. Vets can do early screening for thyroid issues, diabetes and kidney problems before your dog has symptoms. This means reduced medical expenses for you in the long run, and it can also save your dog from a lot of pain and suffering.
It is not uncommon for dogs to get cuts on their paws from stepping on pieces of glass and debris. Washing a cut with antiseptic and using a bandage is an effective treatment for when dogs get small cuts. If the cut seems deep, visit your vet.
When you are nibbling on a snack, you might be tempted to let your dog have a taste. You can do this with some foods, but not all. Dogs should never be given things such as grapes, chocolate and caffeine. These foods can hurt your dog’s health.
Some vitamins can be bad for your dog’s health. Your dog doesn’t need a vitamin supplement if he is eating a well-balanced diet. Too much of certain vitamins could cause damage to the blood vessels, bones and joints. Before giving your dog vitamins, get your vet’s OK.
Incorporate this advice into your training regimen for your dog. When it comes to mastering dog ownership, you have the foundation you need to make it happen. Use all that you now know, and your dog will be eternally grateful for your love, support, and leadership!