Growing up with a pet is not the same thing as being the adult responsible for it. There are many things that you will need to learn though. Go over the following article to learn more about dogs and make sure you could properly take care of a pet.
Make your home safe for your dog. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Make sure anything toxic is put up. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.
Flea Treatments
Be careful with canine flea treatments. 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 your vet to learn about flea treatments that are safer and more family friendly, and always keep flea medication out of reach of children.
Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. Something could distract him, like a squirrel or a cat, causing him to leave your side. You will be to blame if your dog gets hurt for being off his leash.
Ask your vet what kinds of foods you should feed to your dog and what to stay away from. Puppies can’t eat adult food and vice versa. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
Get your new pet a veterinary exam. Directly after getting your dog, be sure to make a check up appointment with a trusted vet. Your vet will provide a full check up and establish vaccination dates. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don’t want to make the problem worse.
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. Your dog will be safer in this position, and you’ll both enjoy your walks more this way. By having your dog understand this command, it will be very helpful for most situations.
Trim hair around a dog’s paws so that hair mats don’t form. Straighten hair with a comb a bit before you trim it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, a professional can always step in to help.
Having read the information above, you should now possess a solid understanding of dog care. If you simply apply the techniques in a thoughtful way, you are bound to succeed. Take time to re-read this advice if anything remains unclear.