You are probably aware that dog care can be quite involved and complicated, regardless of whether or not you currently have a dog. This isn’t something that you can just do from day one. Read on to learn a few excellent tips on great dog care.
It can cost a lot to take care of a dog. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. You should also look into purchasing a good pet health insurance policy to avoid high medical bills.
Since your dog cannot talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog’s non-verbal language. When dogs seem hesitant upon meeting others, never force an interaction. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. Look out for non-verbal hints so that the dog can guide your actions.
Use flea treatments with caution. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.
It doesn’t matter how good your dog is, you should never leave your property without keeping him or her leashed. A feral animal might catch their attention, causing them to pursue them, or an unplanned incitement might lead to a bad situation with other pet owners. You’re responsible for their actions and safety.
Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Always exercise caution when it comes to your animal’s food.
If a dog does something correctly like sitting before you leash them, give them lots of praise and affection. Let a dog know that their behavior is what you wish to see. It teaches your pup that he will be rewarded for good behavior.
When a dog behaves badly, correct him immediately. If you delay too long, the behavior will get harder and harder to correct. You need to make sure your dog is happy to keep them in control and so he does not hurt anyone.
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. There are many less than fortunate dogs in shelters that would love to find a forever home. You can give one a home for a while to help the cause and you can also keep it if you like it!
If your vet has given you medication or special instructions for your dog, make sure that you follow them. He might not want to wear that cone on his neck and head, but it’s there for a real reason! The vet doesn’t give advice for no reason, and it can be dangerous to now do what is advised.
Give your dog a lot of love. Like many things in life, many owners pay much more attention to bad behavior than good behavior. This can cause problems later on. Instead make it a habit to praise your dog much more often than any scolding. Make it five times to any one. This will reinforce that positive behavior brings due rewards, and thus lead to a better behaved pet.
Be sure that your dog has some kind of identification in case it were to escape from your home. Purchase a dog tag so your dog has identification. Keep the ID tags updated with your current contact information. Micro-chipping your dog is another option.
When it becomes hot, do tick and flea inspections. Comb your dog with a good flea comb to eradicate fleas. Additionally, there are a number of other products and tools that help in controlling fleas and ticks on your dog. Ask your vet what they recommend.
Don’t let the temperature of your dog’s nose be the indicator of his health. There are lots of reasons why his nose may be this way, even if he is feeling ill. Keep an eye on your pet’s health by monitoring their mood, appetite levels, and how much energy they have. These are more reliable signals of your dog’s health. A dog’s temperature is checked using a rectal thermometer.
It should be easy to care for your dog with the advice found above. Just stay firm and consistent, and most of all, patient. Do all the research you can and you’ll have a great friend that will be by your side for a long time.
