Are you thinking about getting a dog? Many people are overwhelmed by the amount of responsibility that comes with owning a dog. Others could have the feeling that they will never get their dog to behave. The advice that follows will give you some tips on what can be done if you’re someone that is dealing with dogs.
Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Dogs tend to dig through garbage cans, drink out of toilets and explore the hind quarters of other animals. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. It’s not true.
You need to take your older pet to the vet at lease once a day. Because your dog is unable to speak, you may not know for sure when your dog feels sick or has an injury. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.
Always neuter or spay your pet. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer. Furthermore, altered dogs do not have the tendency to wander off, so they will stay safer.
Keep your medications out of paw’s reach. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. If your dog eats your medication, see a vet right away.
Your dog deserves to have quality dog food. 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. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. Your dog will be much better off.
Never force a dog to do something. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn’t like.
A daily brush does a lot more than just prevent shedding. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.
Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Regular exercise is a necessity, as is playtime in order to keep him physically and mentally happy. No matter what you do, whether it’s going for a long walk or simply throwing a ball or stick, both you and your dog will benefit. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.
Your dog must learn to walk on a leash correctly. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” This will keep him safe, and it’ll make walks more enjoyable. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.
Become Pregnant
If your female dog is in heat, be very careful with her around other dogs or she may become pregnant. It is possible for a male to pick up her scent from miles away. Also, she can cause a fight between other dogs, as well as become pregnant with unwanted litter from an unknown origin.
You need to ensure your dog will come back if he runs away; that is why you need to have a collar with his information on it. A common way to find a lost dog is to ensure it has a collar with an ID tag. All of the necessary contact information, including your dog’s name, should be included. Micro-chipping is an even better method.
Stay on top of canine politics for your friend. Look to see if your local government is passing laws which limit dog owners’ rights. Sometimes people might misjudge a breed. Stand up for your rights!
You need to train the dog by yourself; more than one person might confuse him. Your dog might become confused by different methods, different vocal commands and different ways of offering praise or punishment. Pick a single person to be the main person doing the training, and let the others know what that person’s methods will be so they can follow along.
You take on a lot of responsibility when you decide to care for a dog. Sometimes, a pet feels like your day job. However, help is available. With great information and suggestions like those you have found in this article, owning your dog can become easier and more enjoyable. Soon, you will be worrying much less.