Are you considering adopting a homeless pup from the shelter? Do you want to add a purebred pup to your family? From a mutt to a show dog, they’ll all bring you love. Owning a dog requires responsible care, so use the information in this article to prepare you for dog ownership.
Since dogs cannot talk, you need to learn your dog’s cues. When dogs seem hesitant upon meeting others, never force an interaction. This may cause another dog or person to get bit. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.
If you keep some medication in your home, make sure your dog cannot access it. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. You should contact your vet right away if your dog swallows some medication.
Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. 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. Looking at a pet advocacy group website can give you recommendations of the best food for your dog. Your dog will appreciate your research.
Don’t give your dog real bones. Genuine bones can chip, and the pieces may become stuck in your dog’s 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.
If you have an outdoor pet, build a shelter for him or buy one that is ready to use. This is especially important during wet weather. Keep your dog safe by giving him shelter.
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. Keep your dog at your side when you are taking a walk. This ensures his safety and will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. Even if you decide to give him additional slack on the leash from time to time, teaching your dog to heel remains an important task as a pet owner.
Trimming around the paws of your dog will ensure your dog’s fur doesn’t get matted. Clean and comb the hair before you trim it. If this scares you, have a professional do it.
Even if you seek a pure bred animal, you should not overlook the pound. Lots of dog owners take animals to the pound when they can’t care for them any longer. Contact the pound in your area to see what kinds of breeds they have at the time. When you adopt a dog, you save its life.
Your dog needs both physical and mental exercise. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. He can feel useful and like a family member, and continuing to train him will keep his mind sharp.
Make sure that your dog goes to it’s vet for a checkup each year. The vet will be able to spot signs of diabetes, thyroid issues and kidney trouble a while before your dog shows any signs. Regular check-ups will keep your dog healthy, and may save you a lot of cash in the long run.
You should now have some helpful tips to help you be a wonderful dog owner. Keep reading to find out new things online! Think about joining a dog forum to chat with fellow dog owners. You will find that you learn new things about your dog, even when they grow old.