Whether you’re already a dog owner or you’re thinking of getting one, you probably know that a lot goes into caring for dogs. This, because of the patience needed, can be hard on just about anyone. Use the following guide to find some great tips on taking good care of dogs.
Rawhide Bones
Give your pooch rawhide bones instead of those from real meat. Bones can lodge in the mouth or throat, causing devastating injuries. It has been shown that rawhide bones are safe and great for their teeth, so be sure to not give your dog that ham bone next time.
Buy or build a home for the dog if they need to stay outside when it’s cold. If the dog gets wet feet that could make him stressed out and cause other health problems as well. Give your dog a shelter that is spacious and dry, and your dog will be protected from the hard winds and dampness.
Becoming a foster for a dog will help you decide if dog ownership is right for you. Many homeless and abused animals are waiting in shelters for someone to adopt them and with over-crowding, resources are slim. You can foster one to help out the cause and find out if you want to keep one!
Your dog should not be left outside for the entire day. You may see this on TV or in movies, but that doesn’t make it right. Only having one dog can cause him to get lonely. Not only that, but during heavy rainstorms and snowstorms, it is imperative that you bring your dog indoors as well, to avoid the inclement weather and temperatures.
Always follow any instructions from the vet carefully, especially if your dog requires medication or other special attention. Your dog won’t like a cone, but he has to wear it. Your vet recommendations should be taken seriously for the betterment of your dog’s health.
Love your dog! It’s typical that dog owners will pay much more attention to bad behavior than good behavior. If that persists, your dog may begin to act inappropriately to get your attention. Rather, be sure to give praise five times more frequently than you reprimand. This will reinforce that positive behavior brings due rewards, and thus lead to a better behaved pet.
You need to make sure if your female dog is not fixed and is in heat that she doesn’t come into contact with a male dog so she does not get pregnant. Male dogs can tell your dog is in heat when they are five miles away. The dog might also want to fight other dogs, and become pregnant.
Your dog needs to wear some sort of identification in case he escapes your house. Consider purchasing a breakaway collar for your pet. On the tag, make sure to include your pet’s name and your phone number. Another option is to have a micro-chip put on your dog.
It’s not rare for dogs to acquire cuts by stepping on debris or glass pieces. If your dog has a tiny cut, use an antiseptic to wash it with and then bandage the area. If the cut is relatively deep, bring your dog to the vet.
If an accident occurs on your floor, take extra care that all traces are removed. Use a cleaner that gets rid of smells. If any of the smell remains, your dog might be encouraged to do the same thing, in the same spot, all over again.
When the weather outdoors become hotter, you need to search for ticks and fleas on your dog each day. Utilize a flea comb in order to eliminate any fleas on your pet. Certain products are geared to eliminate fleas and ticks. Speak with your vet about which choices are best.
If you are looking for a new dog, bring your current pup to check him out. Dogs can be quite social, but some are more effective at socializing than others. Finding the right dog for you will save you lots of trouble in the end.
Now that you know more about dogs, you shouldn’t have serious concerns about caring for them. You just need some patience and love in order to have a happy, appreciative dog. Continue learning all that you can to ensure a great relationship with your pup.