Dogs are great pets, but they’re rarely low-maintenance ones. Similar to kids, dogs have to eat certain food, need physical activity, have to go to a vet, and require cleaning and grooming. Do you know everything there is to know about dog care? Learning these basics will get you off to a great start with your new dog.
When choosing a dog, make sure you consider your lifestyle. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. Similarly, if you’re quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. Steer clear of a breed mismatch if you want to be a happy dog owner.
Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Therefore, ask your vet the acceptable amount of dog food your dog needs to ensure its health and well-being.
If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.
Be sure your dog is physically active. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. It will help you form a much stronger relationship.
If your dog is undergoing a course of treatment with medication or therapy, make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions precisely. Your dog may hate wearing a cone, however it is prescribed for good reason. The vet doesn’t give advice for no reason, and it can be dangerous to now do what is advised.
Even if you seek a pure bred animal, you should not overlook the pound. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it. Call the pound to see what they have available. You may save a poor dog’s life if you do this.
Your dog needs to have mental stimulation as well as ways to become physically active too. You can even teach your dog useful tricks such as fetching the newspaper for you. They’ll feel like a useful family member and the constant reinforced training will maintain their sharp thinking skills.
Ensure your dog will return by placing some type of identification on them. A popular way to ensure your dog gets back home safely is to make them use a breakaway collar that has an identification tag. On the tag, make sure to include your pet’s name and your phone number. A micro-chip can also be installed on your dog.
Check your dog for ticks and fleas every day when the weather gets warm. Remove fleas with a special comb. If the infestation is bad, there are treatments available. Ask your vet what they recommend.
Choose your dog’s food carefully. Since there is a variety of food choices available to dogs, you must select the one that matches the type and age of the dog you have. Giving your dog leftovers may be cheap, but it may not give them a lot of health benefits.
Prior to getting a dog, take into consideration your lifestyle and the amount of time you are away from home. It is easy to want a dog, but it is much harder to take care of the responsibilities that come with being the parent of a loving dog.
During the summer, you need to be careful about leaving your dogs outside. Your dog might overheat much faster then you think. You need to have a place for them to get out of the sun in the summer months. You need to ensure your dog has some cold and clean water. Consult with your vet about the necessity and advisability of sunscreen for your dog.
Now that you know what to do, you can use these ideas every day as you care for and play with your dog. Although there’s plenty more for you to learn, the basic principles you’ve already picked up should serve you well. As long as you use what you have learned, your dog will thank you for your efforts with love and affection.
