No matter your experience with dogs, you should be aware of how much is involved in dog care. It isn’t a task that will come naturally to you. Use the following guide to find some great tips on taking good care of dogs.
It can be quite costly to own a dog. You need to pay for high quality food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. A sick dog could cost you tens of thousands! Look into doggie health insurance!
Make your home doggie-proof. Before bringing home your new pup, make sure that it’s safe. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Dogs can have very negative side effects from even small amounts of medications intended for humans. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Talk to the vet to determine if there are other options for your dog.
It is a good idea to use hand signals when you are trying to train your dog, instead of just relying on verbal commands. Dogs tend to read body language and signs very well. Try using both ways with your dog to see which works best.
Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Real animal bones can chip and pose a danger to your dog’s digestive tract and mouth. Rawhide is very healthy and will help your dog develop some strong teeth. Never ever give him a real bone!
Correct bad behavior the first time you see it from your dog. If you don’t address it head on, you will discover that it becomes more difficult to control in the future, possibly with disastrous consequences. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
You should always trim your nails. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. Purchasing some nail clippers at your local pet store is a good idea. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own then you can hire a groomer to do it for a little bit of money.
Proper leash walking is something that you should teach to your dog. To properly walk your dog, he must remain directly at your side instead of behind or in front of you. Walking in this manner keeps your dog safe, and you are bound to enjoy walks more as well. If you are using a loose leash, you help your dog to realize this is the best way to go about it.
Keep the fur around your pup’s paws trimmed so that it does not get matted. Before you trim it, use a brush to get it as straight as possible. If you’re too scared, take him to the groomer instead.
If your female dog is in heat be cautious – she could very easily become pregnant. It is possible for a male to pick up her scent from miles away. This causes fights as well as sexual behavior.
Clean up after accidents immediately. Use a cleaner specifically made to clean up such messes. If any scent remains, the dog might soil the area over and over.
With the assistance of the advice you’ve just received, you should be better equipped to care for a dog properly. Be patient, do your best and do not hesitate to get help if you need to. Learn as much as you can, and enjoy the time you spend with your companion!