Dog ownership isn’t easy. Dogs, just like children, need to be fed the right foods, exercised, groomed and cleaned, and taken to the doctor. So, how do you know what to do? Read on to find out.
You need to take your older pet to the vet at lease once a day. 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. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Always have your dog on a leash when he’s off your property. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. You are solely responsible for the dog’s actions and for the dog’s safety as well.
Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Bones can chip and get lodged in the digestive tract or mouth. Rawhide is completely healthy and improves the teeth, and therefore is preferable to animal bones.
Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly. Once they get to a length where they are curling under, this is likely to cause your dog some pain. It is easy to purchase a pair of clippers and attend to these yourself. If you lack the confidence to do this job on your own, a pet groomer will usually do it at a low cost.
When it is time to buy dog food, avoid buying the cheapest brand. It is best to invest in quality dog food. It costs more, but you’ll save money on vet bills for health issues down the road.
Take some time to trim your dog’s paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. Before you trim, carefully run a comb through the hairs to separate them. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
Prove to your canine friend that your love for him is true. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. This can only lead to future difficulties. You should mostly focus on praising and petting your dog when you notice a good behavior. This will reinforce that positive behavior brings due rewards, and thus lead to a better behaved pet.
If your dog isn’t happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dogs naturally live in packs, and they are happiest when they are allowed to do so. Giving them some canine companionship can have a very positive effect on their mood and behavior. Match them carefully based on energy levels and temperament.
Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical and mental. Train him to fetch the newspaper and help with other household chore. This gives him a job to do and he’ll feel fulfilled as a result.
It’s not rare for dogs to acquire cuts by stepping on debris or glass pieces. Clean any small cuts on your dog with antiseptic, and bandage the area. If you believe your dog has a deep cut, you need to visit your vet.
When thinking about acquiring a dog, be sure to take your entire life (special events, weekends away, vacations) into account. Wanting a dog is easy, but it is not always easy to deal with responsibilities of dog ownership.
Wash your dog’s water and food bowls regularly. Just like you do not want to continuously eat and drink from bowls that are not very clean, your dog doesn’t either. Wash your dog’s bowls daily and keep them full of clean water and fresh food.
Do not have overly high expectations for your dog. He can’t attend to tasks as long as you are able to. Training sessions should only last for a few minutes, so the dog does not wind up hating training sessions, and you do not become overly frustrated.
It is important to socialize new puppies early, so that they are comfortable with a variety of people and other dogs from the beginning. Great ways to get your dog socialized include taking him to the local dog park and to the grooming salon.
Make sure you understand what your dog is eating. Not all brands of dog food are equal, and food that costs the most is not always the best. Talk to a vet about food recommendations for your dog, considering their health, age and breed. A good diet will help your pet live longer.
It is kind of funny when a little puppy “attacks” slippers and other items, but once that same puppy is full grown he can cause some serious damage to your things. Stop bad behavior at its onset. If your dog is doing something that it shouldn’t, don’t ignore it. This will ensure your dog is better behaved down the road.
Do not leave your dog by himself for long stretches of time. Your dog should be able to spend an entire day alone while you are at work, but leaving your dog alone for longer periods of time could be dangerous. Consider putting on a little background noise, like music, to help keep your dog company when you are out. If you’re away frequently, you might want to look into hiring a pet sitter so that your dog won’t feel abandoned.
If you notice diarrhea in your dog for several days, immediately take it to the vet’s office. Sometimes a dog will eat something that isn’t good for them that causes them to get the runs. If it lasts longer, there may be a big issues, so get them checked out even though it costs some money.
Dog ownership is a long and complex adventure, and you never know when some of the advice you’ve just reviewed will come in handy. You now know what it takes to be a responsible, caring master. As long as you use what you have learned, your dog will thank you for your efforts with love and affection.
