When you’re at a pet store or at the pound you are probably thinking of how great the experience is going to be as soon as you get your dog. However, sometimes this is not the result. The object is to find a dog that you can care for and love, which this article can help you with.
Your dog needs an annual physical exam from the vet, just as you need one from your doctor. It can be difficult to know what could be causing your dog pain since they cant talk to you. Getting your dog checked up on annually will allow you to know if there are any problems.
Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. When dogs seem hesitant upon meeting others, never force an interaction. This may lead to someone getting bitten. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.
If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Swallowing just a few pills could lead to catastrophic health issues for your dog, including a seizure or heart attack. If your pet does manage to ingest some medicine, contact the vet right away.
Table Scraps
Try not to give a dog table scraps. That encourages him to beg and makes him not want his own 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.
You need to ask your vet to make sure the food you are feeding them is good. A lot of the time a dog might not want to eat some brands of dog food, this might make them sick. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.
There are more advantages to daily brushing of your dog than just keeping your home hair free. It leaves them looking gorgeous, for one thing. The reason for this is that brushing distributes a dog’s oils from its skin so it looks soft and shiny.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Dogs need game time and regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy and happy. No matter what you do, whether it’s going for a long walk or simply throwing a ball or stick, both you and your dog will benefit. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
You might find a pure breed dog at the pound. Many pure bred dogs are abandoned at dog pounds or shelters when owners aren’t able to care for them. Call the pound to see what breeds they’ve got. You may get to save a canine’s life if you do this!
Your dog needs plenty of affection. It is easy to overlook the good behavior your dog shows while you concentrate on eliminating the bad. With dogs, this can lead to trouble. Remember to praise and be affectionate with your dog more frequently than you discipline him. Your dog will be better behaved.
Keep vet appointments for your dog. A good vet will be able to easily spot problems with your dog way before you actually see something. This means reduced medical expenses for you in the long run, and it can also save your dog from a lot of pain and suffering.
A dog should always be brought to the vet for regular checkups. It’s important that the dog sees a vet every so often to make sure there aren’t any shots that they might need. It’s important to go more often if it’s a pup. Never hesitate to take your dog to the vet if something seems off; remember that your dog can not tell you something is wrong.
If you are getting a second dog as a companion for one that you already have, consider taking your current dog along when you make your final selection. You need to see if they are going to be compatible or not. Having dogs that get along with each other makes your life that much easier.
When you start training, try different reward systems. Be on the look out for what motivates your pet to perform well. Pieces of sausage or tasty dog treats will work for a dog that is motivated by food. If your dog prefers toys, have a quick game of tug of war once your pup does what you want. Others will be happy to do as you ask for a simple belly rub.
Make sure you and your dog are prepared for hot summer weather. It is easy for dogs to overheat. In the summertime, be sure they can lay in a cool, shaded area. Give him water, too. Your vet should be able to provide you with different options for dog sunscreen as well.
This advice will prove helpful and ignoring it would be a mistake. Apply it on a regular basis, and you’ll see your relationship with your dog improve. If your dog is happy, you will be much more likely to love it unconditionally.