Humans domesticated dogs thousands of years ago. Clearly, people and dogs are a good match when it comes to happy companionship. If you get a dog, it is your responsibility to make sure it is properly taken care of. Here are several tips that will help you keep your dog healthy.
Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. It is unsanitary to be licked by a dog. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. It is folk wisdom that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a humans. This is not true, at all!
Get your dog spayed or neutered. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It’s been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. Furthermore, altered dogs do not have the tendency to wander off, so they will stay safer.
If you take your dog with you on vacation, keep a photo of him on your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.
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 a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. Call the vet immediately if you suspect that the dog has swallowed the medication.
Talk to your vet about what you feed your dog. Puppies may lack the development needed to tolerate certain kinds of food without getting sick. Always be cautious about dog food.
Your dog will need a dog house if it is going to be outside in colder temperatures. If his feet get wet, being exposed to extreme weather can cause health issues and stress. A roomy shelter that protects from the windy, rainy, and snowy weather is the best option.
Brushing your dog on a daily basis has other benefits aside from the fact that he will shed less fur on your furniture clothing. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. When you brush the coat, oils from the skin are distributed throughout, and this is makes the coat soft and silky.
Take some time to trim your dog’s paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. A professional groomer may be a good solution if you are confident about trimming the hair yourself.
Your dog needs plenty of affection. As is the case with most things in life, owners often pay more attention to the bad behavior than the good. 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 increases the chance that your dog will repeat the good behavior rather than the bad.
As a dog owner, you need to repay your dog’s affection with responsible, reliable care. This article can help you know what you will need to do to provide the best life for your dog. Start using these tips to make your dog happier and healthier.
