Dogs are great pets to have and can be very loving if you make sure that you properly care for them. If you want your dog to be healthy and happy, then you must learn to help them with what they need. Keep reading for some valuable tips on how to develop a wonderful relationship with your canine companion.
You must dog-proof your residence. This should be done before the dog shows up at your home. Hide medications and chemicals, cover your trash, and put food where he can’t get to it. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.
If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Taking just a few such pills can have devastating consequences for a dog. Call the vet immediately if you suspect that the dog has swallowed the medication.
Use flea treatments with caution. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Talk with your vet concerning alternative treatments, and do not let small children come near while treating your dog.
Table Scraps
Resist the urge to give your dog table scraps. This will make your dog beg all of the time and also will make it not want to eat its regular food as much. You might be wrecking your dog’s health by giving him table scraps. Make your dog stay out of the room when the family is eating.
Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. A lot of the time a dog might not want to eat some brands of dog food, this might make them sick. Use your vets advice and common sense to feed your dog properly.
Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Real animal bones can chip and pose a danger to your dog’s digestive tract and mouth. It has been shown that rawhide bones are safe and great for their teeth, so be sure to not give your dog that ham bone next time.
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. Your pet shouldn’t be ahead of you, behind you, or anywhere that isn’t by your side. They should also answer correctly when you say “heel”. If you walk in this way, you will be sure that your pet is safe so that your walks are more enjoyable. By having your dog understand this command, it will be very helpful for most situations.
A dog should not be left outside all day. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. When your dog is the only one you have, leaving him alone will make him sad. Plus, bad weather can be health and even life threatening to your pet.
A dog needs both mental and physical exercise. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. This will make him feel like an active member of the family.
Know any canine laws that might affect your ownership. Look to see if your local government is passing laws which limit dog owners’ rights. These regulations often exist because of bad behaviors from a few dogs of a certain breed. Stand up for your rights!
Bring your dog to the vet for an annual check-up. Vets can do early screening for thyroid issues, diabetes and kidney problems before your dog has symptoms. Annual physicals for dogs can spare owners a lot of unnecessary expenses down the road and the animal a lot of unnecessary suffering in the meantime.
There’s nothing like the happiness a dog is able to bring to a person’s home. It is important to know what it takes to keep a dog happy and full of energy. Hopefully, the tips you just read can help both you and your pet.