Your dog might scratch his bowl if he’s hungry. If a dog wants to be let outside, they often scratch at the door. If your dog desires affection, it may give you the famous puppy dog eyes. Since your dog can’t talk, though, it may be hard to always understand what he needs. The following article will help you care for him in the best way possible.
Make sure your home is dog-proof. Create a safe area to bring a new puppy into the home. All cleaning supplies and medications should be moved out of reach of your dog. You should also find a way of securing your trash somewhere that your dog cannot get to, such as in a cabinet. Some indoor plants are poisonous, so put them high up.
Just as you need to keep up with your annual doctor’s appointment, your dog needs to see his vet annually too. Your dog can’t speak to you, which means it isn’t easy to tell if they’re having a tooth ache or issues with arthritis. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Research suggests that this small thing can give extended life to your dog by reducing cancer risk. Dogs who have been neutered or spayed are also less likely to run or wander away from home.
Don’t let your dog out of your property without wearing a leash, regardless of how well he behaves. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. Your dog is your responsibility, so treat him right.
When the dog does something right, be sure to lavish praise on him or her. It’s important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. Your dog will quickly understand that the praise is connected to a certain action.
Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.
Build or buy a house for your dog if he has to stay outdoors for any length of time in cold weather. If his feet get wet, being exposed to extreme weather can cause health issues and stress. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.
Correct your dog’s bad behavior immediately. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
Become acquainted with dog food labels and avoid buying based solely on cost. Your dog will benefit from eating healthy, quality food. While this could mean paying more for higher-end brands, your dog’s proper health will be guaranteed through eating healthfully.
Instruct your dog clearly about how to walk with a leash. He should know the “heel” command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. Even if you’re using loose leashes for walking here and there, make sure the dog understands this command.
Do not leave your dog outdoors for extended periods of time. It is important that your dog has interaction. If your dog is alone outside, it will quickly get lonely. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.
Follow instructions from the vet if the dog needs special attention or has medication. Dogs may resist wearing cones, but they are there for good reason. Your vet will recommend things that are good for the health of your dog, so make sure that you follow his advice.
If separation anxiety plagues your dog, or you want your dog to feel less lonely, play some music while you are at work. The sound of music could help him feel more secure and keep him company. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.
Many people say that it is quite easy to understand how a dog is feeling by the expressions on their face, which is true if you’ve been around them for a long time. However, now that you’ve read this, you can understand that dogs are deeper than just body language. Your dog is going to love you because of that.