There are all types of different dogs, and there are all types of different family situations. Building a rewarding relationship between yourself and your dog is simply a matter of learning how to care for your canine companion in a responsible manner. Continue reading if you want to be sure that you’re taking care of your pet properly.
You should not kiss your dog. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. It’s just a myth that your dog’s mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Dogs don’t talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. Avoid forcing your dog to interact with others if he doesn’t want to. It could end up with someone getting bit. Look for non-verbal cues and follow what the dog is telling you.
When you take your dog with you on vacation, take a picture and save it to your phone. If they’re separated from you, then you’ll have a current photo that you can easily access and show others or to download for “lost” flyers.
If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. If your dog does ingest some of your medication, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.
When it comes to dog flea treatments, you should proceed with caution. A large number of them contain high doses of carcinogens and other hazardous ingredients. Talk to your veterinarian about safer alternatives.
Practice training your dog in your house or yard. You do not want to train your dog around a bunch of people. Distractions occur, making it difficult to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
If you’re adopting your pet from a shelter, it’s important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. Regular exercise is a necessity, as is playtime in order to keep him physically and mentally happy. Regardless of the activity you choose, whether it is a game of fetch or a walk around the neighborhood, both of you will benefit. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you’ve brought him home. This should be one of the first things that you attend to when you’re bringing home a new pet. The vet will provide a full health check and create a vaccination schedule. Speak with a vet about getting your dog neutered or spayed since there is a massive dog overpopulation problem that you don’t need to add to.
Get your dog’s hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn’t get matted up. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. If you’re too scared, take him to the groomer instead.
If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. The sounds of the music will provide a sense of security and company for your dog. This little touch can help your dog feel less anxious as he awaits your return.
By now, you should feel a little more confident about owning a dog. This article has given you important advice than will ensure you know how to care for your dog. Use the information that you read here to ensure that you have a happy, healthy family dog.
