A dog needs more than petting and feeding. Dogs need a lot to be as healthy and happy as possible. How can you learn what it is that your dog really needs? The article below provides excellent advice on the right methods of dog care, so continue reading.
While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. It is unsanitary to be licked by a dog. He probably doesn’t mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. However, this simply is not the case.
When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Many medicines that benefit you can be harmful or fatal to your dog. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.
Anti-flea products are dangerous. Lots of treatments contain things that can be harmful to kids. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, and see if he has more holistic treatment options that might help to keep your pet free from fleas and your family safe.
When you are training your dog, it is always best to incorporate the use of hand signals in addition to using verbal commands. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog. Not every dog will learn the same, so try different techniques with your dog.
Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. Although some dog owners stick to the recommended guidelines on the dog food, these guidelines can often be too much for your dog, which can lead to obesity. Therefore, ask your vet the acceptable amount of dog food your dog needs to ensure its health and well-being.
Don’t buy cheap dog food. Cheaper brands usually contain lots of additives and preservatives that can harm your dog’s health. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog will be much better off.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. It’ll also give them a very beautiful and shiny coat. When you brush the coat, oils from the skin are distributed throughout, and this is makes the coat soft and silky.
Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. Whether you take a dog on an extended walk or toss a ball around, your dog and you will both benefit. It also grows your bond with the dog.
If your welcome a new dog into your family, immediately schedule a check up for him. This should be one of the first things that you attend to when you’re bringing home a new pet. Your vet will be able to give a clean bill of health, and appoint a schedule for vaccinations. Also, be sure to speak to the veterinarian about neutering or spaying your dog. There are plenty of dogs already in the shelter, and you don’t want to increase that problem.
Some dog breeds are more likely than others to develop certain health issues. Do what you can to combat those issues early. Your vet can also tell you how to give your dog the best odds for overcoming any conditions that are typical for his breed.
You can keep your furry friend mentally as well as physically active through plenty of exercise. By teaching your dog tricks that he can do around the house, such as grabbing the newspaper, you’ll be keeping your dog mentally stimulated. Doing this will help your pet to feel like a loved and needed family member, and teaching your dog these skills will give it some much needed mental exercise.
Schedule appointments with the vet regularly. You must keep up with vaccinations, heartworm testing and physical exams for your dog. A puppy will have to visit the vet more frequently. Plus, you need to take immediate vet action if the dog shows any signs of injury or illness.
You need to perform daily tick and flea inspections on your dog as spring and summer approaches. Remove any fleas you find with a specialized comb. There are lots of flea and tick products for dogs. Speak with your vet concerning these products and other options.
Make wise choices when it comes to your dog’s diet. There are quite a few different types of food out there but you have to get one that works with your dog’s size and age. Giving your dog leftovers may be cheap, but it may not give them a lot of health benefits.
Just because your dog’s nose is wet and cold doesn’t mean he’s healthy. Sick dogs often have cold, wet noses. The overall amount of energy your dog has, its eating habits, and its general behavior are what you should watch. These are all good ways to gauge how well your pet is doing. A rectal thermometer will come in handy to see if your dog is feverish.
You need to consider your own life when you are thinking about getting a dog. Wanting a dog is a piece of cake, but actually taking care of one is harder.
When you first start training, experiment with several types of rewards. Take the time to learn what will motivate your pet the most. If your pet loves food, try giving it its favorite vet approved treat. If you have a dog that likes toys, let the dog play tug of war after doing what it was told. Occasionally, a dog may just want to be petted for their reward.
You will become a much better dog owner if you take the time to learn more about him. Doing so means providing your dog with the best life possible, seeing as he is already such a good friend. If the roles were reversed, you want your dog to find out all about you.
