You must take the responsibility of owning a dog seriously. You are responsible for making sure your pet leads a happy and healthy life. By learning all that you can about being a good dog owner that knows what they’re doing, you can be sure that things go well for you and your dog.
It costs a lot of money to own a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. Emergency vet care is very expensive, in some cases thousands of dollars, so you might want to consider purchasing pet health insurance.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. Check-ups can reveal that and more.
Obviously, dogs are unable to sleep. Therefore, you have to pay attention to your canine’s non-verbal cues. When dogs seem hesitant upon meeting others, never force an interaction. This might lead to a bite to another dog or even to a person. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.
When you’re thinking of taking a dog with you when you travel, snap a photo of the animal with your phone. In the event that he gets separated from you, you have easy access to a current photo to put on flyers that will help identify him.
Make sure you are using the right flea treatments on your pet dog. Quite a few of them use ingredients that are very unsafe for kids, including an ingredient that has been linked to cancer. Talk with your vet concerning alternative treatments, and do not let small children come near while treating your dog.
Avoid cheap dog food. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. Your dog will be much better off.
When you brush your dog every day, you reduce shedding problems and benefit your dog’s health in many ways. A daily brush will make their coat radiant and shiny. When you brush the coat, oils from the skin are distributed throughout, and this is makes the coat soft and silky.
Adequate exercise is an important consideration for dog owners. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. No matter what, whether throwing their ball or taking a long walk, you’ll both benefit from it. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.
When you’re choosing your dog’s food, don’t cut costs by going with the cheapest option. Your dog will enjoy greater health benefits from nutritious food. Though better brands cost more, it is worth it to know your dog is receiving the nutrients it needs.
Properly teach your dog how to walk with a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” If you walk in this way, you will be sure that your pet is safe so that your walks are more enjoyable. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
You may need to trim hair that grows near the dog’s paws to help keep it from matting. Before you trim, carefully run a comb through the hairs to separate them. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, you should get a professional groomer to do it.
Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical and mental. Teaching your dog tricks, such as fetching your shoes or the paper, is a fun activity and it also will stimulate your dog’s mind, keeping him alert and attentive. They’ll feel like a useful family member and the constant reinforced training will maintain their sharp thinking skills.
Have your pet checked out by your vet on a regular basis. Dogs need to be checked for heartworm and other health issues, and need to have any and all necessary vaccinations. If your dog is young, he will need to go to the vet more frequently. You will also need to see a vet right away if your dog starts showing signs of illness or injury.
When choosing an animal to cohabitate with an existing one, try to arrange an introduction before deciding. Dogs are social animals and may or may not get along. If you find a dog that is compatible right away, you’ll save yourself some difficulties later.
Give serious thought to the idea of having a dog prior to adopting one. You can quickly fall deeply in love with a puppy without considering everything that is involved. Carefully consider the expense, the commitment of time and all the other important aspects of dog care before taking the plunge.
The information you just read should help you get started. Implement the tips included above, and you will be happy with the results. Just remember that it’s unfair to keep a dog if you don’t intend to put in the effort necessary to care for them responsibly.
