A dog can provide you with loyalty, love, and affection. Dogs are terrific family pets, but can also be great for anyone living alone. If you are interested in being a better pet owner, the advice in this article can help.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. Your dog can’t talk, it might be difficult to find out what is wrong if there is an issue. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Be sure to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
Use flea treatments with caution. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. There are quite a few things that could cause your dog to run off unexpectedly. You are responsible if your dog does this.
Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Err on the side of caution when feeding food to your dog.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you are the type of person to sit at home, you need a smaller breed that will enjoy lounging around with you. Selecting the right dog will make you both happier.
Always give your dog lots of praise and hugs when it does something right. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. Your dog is looking for ways to please you, and giving him your praise lets him know he has done just that.
If you have an outdoor pet, build a shelter for him or buy one that is ready to use. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Always protect him from wind, sun and rain by making sure he has a dry shelter to go to.
There is quite a bit you have to keep in mind when you’re caring for your dog. It involves much more than just playing with it a little each day and making sure it gets fed. It’s important you know how to properly take care of your dog. That ensures you both have many happy years ahead.