There are many kinds of dogs and many kinds of families. It’s a large decision to make, adopting a dog. Continue reading if you want to be sure that you’re taking care of your pet properly.
Your dog needs an annual physical exam from the vet, just as you need one from your doctor. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. Bringing your dog to the vet each year can help stop these health issues from becoming a huge problem.
Get your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that these operations help your dog live longer and can reduce cancer risks. A spayed or neutered dog is also less likely to stray from its home, meaning it won’t risk getting lost or winding up in a street accident.
When vacationing with your dog, use the camera on your phone to snap a quick picture. You’ll be prepared to take effective action in case your pet gets lost. You can use your recent photo to illustrate just what your dog looks like as well as to print up flyers, if necessary.
Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Discuss family-friendly alternative flea treatments with your vet. Be sure to store all flea treatments out of the reach of children.
Don’t let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they’re well behaved. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. You will be to blame if your dog gets hurt for being off his leash.
If your dog does something the correct way, such as sitting before you put the leash on, make sure that you give it tons of affection and praise. It’s important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. He’ll learn that praise will come when he is good, too.
Talk to your vet about how much your dog should eat. The amounts on the label might not apply in your dog’s situation. Speak with a vet about your dog’s needs and what they should have.
Make sure that your dog’s nails are trimmed weekly. If the dog’s nails curl under, your dog might be in pain. You can use store bought clippers to trim them yourself. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can take him to the groomers and have them done for very little money.
Take your new dog to a vet. Don’t wait to long to make your appointment. The vet will provide a full health check and create a vaccination schedule. Consider having your pup spayed or neutered as there is already an overpopulation problem.
Some dog breeds are more prone to problems than others and you should know if your dog could have problems. Research the breed of your dog and take steps to ensure he does not get any infections or diseases. You can also speak with the vet about steps you can take to increase their lifespan.
Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. People who aren’t fully committed to dog ownership often abandon their animals at the pound. Make a phone call to local pounds and shelters and see what kinds of dogs are there. You may be saving a dog’s life.
If your dog spends a lot of time alone, think seriously about adding a second animal to your family. Dogs prefer living in groups with other animals. Get one that is similar in energy level and temperament and your dog will be in heaven.
Ensure that your dog will come back after being lost by having some type of identification tag. A collar with identification is a great way to ensure that your dog is found and returned if it happens to get lost. Your dog’s name and your contact info should appear on the tag. Have you considered micro-chipping your dog?
Get politically active for your dog! Local legislation that could restrict or regulate the rights of dogs and their owners might be on the table. That legislations is often motivated by certain breeds or certain dogs that have behaved badly. Speak up for the rights of responsible dog owners everywhere by contacting local officials.
After reading the above article, are you now more aware of what is required to care for a dog? This article should have helped ease your worries about your dog care. Put the tips and advice you’ve read to good use as you make sure your family dog is well taken care of.
