Your dog needs a lot more than a daily feeding and a quick pet. Regular care is an essential part of his life. How will you know what you can or should do in regards to your dog? The following article will give you tips used by both dog experts and other dog owners.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. Many people believe that dogs’ mouths do not have as much germs as humans’ mouths. However, this simply is not the case.
If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. This ensures that, should he get lost, you have a current photo, ready for showing around or being used in flyers.
If you keep some medication in your home, make sure your dog cannot access it. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog’s health and even cause death. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Don’t give table scraps to your dog. This teaches dogs bad habits. Feeding your dog table scraps can cause obesity and a number of digestive issues. Resist the temptation and only give dog food to your pup.
When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. It’s never good to try and train your pet when there are quite a few people around. They might feel distracted and not learn a thing.
Consult with your vet about the types of foods that are good for your dog. Some puppies take longer to develop, and some types of food may be too rich, leading to an upset belly or vomiting. Always exercise caution when it comes to your animal’s food.
Avoid the bargain brands of pet food. The cheaper brands actually contain a lot of preservatives, additives and other ingredients that can compromise your dog’s health. Use an animal advocacy group or some kind of consumer awareness group to see if you can get a list of good foods that are professionally recommended. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. Shelters are full of animals who need a loving home, and there’s not room to hold all of them. You can give one a home for a while to help the cause and you can also keep it if you like it!
To prevent the hair around a dog’s paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. Straighten the hair with a comb slightly before you do any trimming. If you are not comfortable with this process, it would be a good idea for you to go and get it done by a professional groomer.
If your dog has separation anxiety or you wish to be really nice to them, keep music on while you are going to work. The sound will help him feel more secure and not as alone. This may help ease the dog’s fears and calm him down just enough so he isn’t going crazy while he awaits your arrival.
If you have a dog that seems unhappy or lonely, think about getting another dog. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. By choosing another dog that matches your pup’s energy level and temperament, you’ll ensure that your dogs will be great companions for each other.
Know any canine laws that might affect your ownership. Look to see if your local government is passing laws which limit dog owners’ rights. It is usually indicative of a particular breed or certain owner’s recent actions. Be sure to voice your concerns in regards to dogs and dog owners by staying in touch with local officials.
The more knowledgeable you are about dog ownership, the better off you will be. Your dog is ready to shower you with unconditional love. In return, why not do all you can for your pet’s health and well-being? If the roles were reversed, you would expect your owner to know how to properly care for you.
