Do you wish to save a little puppy at a local pound? Or do you prefer to get a dog from a dog breeder? Whether you prefer a purebred dog or a versatile mixed breed, you will add hours of enjoyment to your life when you get a pooch. Along with the love comes responsibility, so read through the article below to get an idea of what you are in for once you bring your new friend home.
It is expensive to own a dog. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. It can cost a lot of money to take your dog to the vet in an emergency, so you will want to investigate health insurance for your pet.
You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. Because your dog is unable to speak, you may not know for sure when your dog feels sick or has an injury. Check-ups can reveal that and more.
Be sure to have your pet spayed or neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
When vacationing with your dog, use the camera on your phone to snap a quick picture. This way, if you find out that your dog went missing along the way, you will have a recent picture that you can show to people when you go out to look for you pet.
Avoid letting your dog walk without a leash outside of your property, regardless of how well he behaves. Dogs are easily distracted by other animals, cars, and kids, so always make sure to keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. You are responsible for anything your dog does, as well as for his safety.
Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Giving them actual bones may cause them to fall apart and become lodged in the digestive tract or oral cavity of your dog. Also, rawhide is better for the health of your dog’s teeth.
Do not force your dog to eat things. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. Learn what he likes and what he doesn’t.
As soon as you notice your dog engaging in bad behaviors, immediately try to correct them. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road. You could end up with a dog that hurts other people, so make sure you’re in control at all times.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Playing and exercising are two crucial components of any healthy dog’s life. You will enjoy the time you spend doing these things with your dog as well. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
Don’t buy cheap dog food. It is important that your dog get nutrient dense, good quality food. Quality brands are more expensive but they will significantly increase the life expectancy of your dog.
Avoid leaving your pup outside all day. Yes, people do this too often, but dogs require interactions with people and other dogs for their well-being. If you have a single dog, it may feel lonely outside on its own. Keep in mind that your dog can also get sick if the weather is too cold or humid.
Prove to your canine friend that your love for him is true. Make sure you don’t only focus on the negative things that your dog does. This may eventually cause problems. Try keeping track of how often you praise and scold your pet in a day. For every one negative thing, make sure you say five positive things as well. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.
You should now know what taking care of a dog entails, so get ready to take that purebred or mutt home! Keep reading to find out more. Think about signing up for forums if you want to discuss your furry friend with other owners. You will be learning throughout your life, so keep it going.
