Are you a current dog owner or did you have one previously? If this is the case, then you’re probably aware of how great it is to own a dog. However, those rewards are increased through knowledge and responsibility. The following tips will help you be a better dog owner.
Just as you need to keep up with your annual doctor’s appointment, your dog needs to see his vet annually too. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. Bringing your dog to the vet each year can help stop these health issues from becoming a huge problem.
Try not to feed your dog any table scraps. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Table scraps can be bad for his health as well, leading to obesity and digestive disorders. If you spend the time to train your dog to spend mealtimes well removed from the table, there won’t be any scrap-feeding temptations to worry about.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and safety.
Avoid cheap dog food. The brands that are cheaper have preservatives, additives, as well as other things that aren’t good for your dog. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.
You shouldn’t make your dog do something it doesn’t want to do. If you purchase a treat your dog doesn’t appear to like, just try another brand rather than making him eat. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn’t like.
When you first notice behavior problems in your dog, take proper steps to correct the behavior. If you ignore an unwanted behavior, it is as good as reinforcing it. It will become very difficult to correct the more time passes. The dog may harm somebody, even you, so control them.
Your vet will provide sound advice regarding medication or special needs for your pet, so ensure you pay heed to their words. He might not want to wear that cone on his neck and head, but it’s there for a real reason! If your veterinarian recommends something, it’s because it’s what’s best for your dog. If you ignore recommendations, your dog could have some major health issues.
Certain breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of what’s typical for your type of dog. Check out their heritage and try to prevent problems that you know they’re prone to. Also, talk to your vet about things that can be done to increase the odds for your dog’s breed.
You want to ensure that all trace of pet accidents are removed when they occur within the home. Use a cleaner that is professional strength, and follow up with an odor remover. If you still smell dog waste, the dog could be emptied to return to the scene of the crime and repeat the actions.
During hot weather, check your dog for fleas and ticks daily. If you find fleas, use a flea comb and get rid of them. There are also other products you may want to consider using to get rid of fleas and ticks. Talk to your veterinarian about such products or any other options that are available.
As stated at the start of this article, it is extremely rewarding to own a dog. It’s better if you know what you’re doing. With the knowledge you’ve gotten here, you are better prepared than ever to be a great dog owner. Have fun with your dog by using the above advice.