Are you dissatisfied with the dietary options of the dog found at your local grocery store? A lot of people think that commercial dog food is not rich enough in nutrients for the typical dog. As a result, many dog owners have decided to do something about it. The following article will give you some great tips to help you better understand your dog’s needs.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. Since your dog can’t speak, it may be difficult to know when he is having health issues. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.
Get your dog spayed or neutered. This reduces the chances of cancer and helps keep the stray animal population down. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. If he just so happens to run away from you, you should have a picture so you can find him.
Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for 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. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, and see if he has more holistic treatment options that might help to keep your pet free from fleas and your family safe.
Hand signals are great when they are paired with verbal commands. When you give your dog these kinds of signals, he may learn faster. Give both methods a try, and see for yourself which your dog responds best to.
Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. Sometimes you’ll find that a puppy can’t eat certain brands of foods because it will make their stomach upset. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.
If you aren’t sure of the amount of food your dog needs on a daily basis, talk to your vet. Even though many people stick to the label on the can or package of the dog’s food, sometimes these guidelines might not work for the type of dog that you have. This could lead to your dog becoming obese. Ask your vet what the right meal plan is for your dog.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. Also, rawhide is better for the health of your dog’s teeth.
Do not force your dog to eat things. If you’re trying to get your dog to eat a new treat and it’s not showing any interest, don’t force them to eat it. Learn about your dog’s various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
The dog food at the store isn’t the only option you and your pet have. In addition to commercial foods, there are many alternatives in the world of dog nutrition. Just keep everything you’ve read here in your mind and you shouldn’t have a problem finding a good diet for your dog.