Whether you want to get a dog or already have one, you should know a dog requires a lot of care. If you have never owned a dog, it’s important you become familiar with the particulars before acquiring a pet. To increase your knowledge, take a look at the tips below.
You must dog-proof your residence. Check your whole home to be sure it is safe prior to bringing a dog home. Cleaning supplies and medications should be locked away, and any indoor trash cans need to be put in a cabinet. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.
Since dogs cannot talk, you’ll need to learn about your dog’s way of communication. When dogs seem hesitant upon meeting others, never force an interaction. This could end up in negative biting or fighting behavior. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.
If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. This way, should he get lost, you have a picture you can show others. You can also use the picture to hand our “lost” flyers.
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. Some of them contain chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer in children, and are 1,000 times as strong as the safe levels recommended by the EPA. Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
Avoid giving your pooch table food. This causes regular begging and will cause him to dislike his food. In fact, a steady supply of scraps may encourage your dog to gain unhealthy amounts of weight and set off serious digestive problems. Train your dog to sit far away from your dining room so that you and your family won’t be tempted to feed it table scraps.
Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Bones can chip and hurt your dog if sharp fragments are ingested. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
Do not overlook your dog’s bad behavior. If you ignore it you might make it worse than before. It is possible that your dog could injure a person, and that person could be you! So correct unwanted behavior right away.
A daily brush does a lot more than just prevent shedding. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. This is because the motions you go through while brushing evenly distributes the skin’s oils and helps keep the skin healthy, shiny and soft.
Make sure that you’re giving your dog enough exercise. Dogs need routine activity and play in order to stay happy and healthy. Whether you decide to take the dog for a walk or if you’re just playing fetch, it will benefit both of you. This doesn’t just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. Later on, it will help that you’ve fed your dog quality and nutritious food. While this could mean that you’re going to have to pay more money, you can know that you’re doing the best for your dog to keep it healthy.
Solid leash training is a must for any dog. Your dog has to understand the “heel” command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.
Providing foster care for a homeless dog can be a great way to see if you are suited to care for a dog. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. Fostering is a great way to help a dog and get a feel for what having a dog is like.
It isn’t unusual for dogs to injure their paws by stepping on bits of glass or other debris. Clean any small cuts on your dog with antiseptic, and bandage the area. If the cut continues to bleed, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.
Any dog accident in your home should be cleaned up immediately. Use a cleaner specifically made to clean up such messes. If any scent remains from this accident, you may find that your dog relieves itself in the same place numerous times.
Spend some time deciding which brand and type of dog food to give your pet. There are a variety of kinds of dog food on the market; you should choose something that is age and size appropriate. Feeding leftovers to a dog can save money, but a proper diet is harder to maintain with them eating leftovers.
It should be easy to take good care of your dog if you follow the tips presented here. With a lot of love and patience your dog will be happy and healthy. Keep reading and learning so that you can be sure of providing your dog with a happy life.