Are you finding that your local food store does not offer the kind of food that you would like to feed your dog? Many people have concerns over the quality of dog food that is mass produced. If you want to be able to care for your canine friend, then you’re in the right place. These tips will help you learn more about the kind of top-quality care your canine friend deserves.
Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Dogs are prone to tartar build up and cavities just like people. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. This is not in the least bit true.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. Make sure you have your veterinarian’s number handy in case your dog does accidentally swallow your medicine.
Before giving your dog a new dog food, talk to your vet. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
Whenever your dog performs a good action, such as sitting or staying, give it praise and rewards. You need the dog to realize that he or she has done something you like. Your dog will quickly understand that the praise is connected to a certain action.
Cold Weather
Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in cold weather. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Give him a place that has dry floors and a lot of room.
If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet right away. Dogs from pounds are exposed to more illnesses than others. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.
You can always choose to foster a dog for a few weeks if you’re not sure about making the full commitment of dog ownership. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.
Some dogs are more likely to suffer from health problems and so you should know what to look out for in your dog. Take the time to read up on your breed so that you don’t get any surprises down the road. Also, ask your vet what you can do to help your canine beat the odds for his breed.
If you have a dog with extreme separation anxiety, you can help reduce it by playing music or leaving the television on whenever you leave your home. Having noise will help your dog feel more secure and comfortable while you are away. This might just quell his anxiety while waiting for you to return.
Show your dog that you love him. Do not focus on just the negatives with your dog. This could cause lots of problems for you. Dogs need to be praised five times more frequently than scolding. Your dog is going to behave much more if you do that.
Dogs sometimes get tiny cuts on their paws. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use antiseptic to wash it, and then put a bandage around it. If the cut is relatively deep, bring your dog to the vet.
Anytime your dog has an accident in your home, remove any trace of it. Use a cleaner specifically made to clean up such messes. If your dog can still smell the spot, he may go to the bathroom there again.
As you can see, there are many options to properly care and feed your dog. In addition to commercial foods, there are many alternatives in the world of dog nutrition. Remember the tips provided here when you are caring for your dog.