There is little out there that’s like getting a dog when you want loyalty and love. They make for an amazing pet the whole family will love. To provide your dog with the life they deserve, read on.
There are many pleasures derived from dog ownership, but it is also a serious financial commitment. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. Getting emergency care from the vet is costly, so you may need to take a look at health insurance for your pet.
Be sure your dog is neutered or spayed. Research suggests that this small thing can give extended life to your dog by reducing cancer risk. They are also more likely to remain close to home, reducing their risk of becoming lost or getting injured by a car or another animal.
Beware of flea treatments for your dog. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.
Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Use your vets advice and common sense to feed your dog properly.
Be sure to praise your dog thoroughly any time it behaves correctly, such as sitting when it is time to put their leash on. By rewarding your pup when it does the right thing, you’ll be teaching it to do these behaviors more often. He’ll learn that praise will come when he is good, too.
Try not to force your dog to eat things. If you’re trying to get your dog to eat a new treat and it’s not showing any interest, don’t force them to eat it. When you have a dog, get to know his likes and dislikes.
Correct your dog’s bad behavior immediately. Ignoring it for a while can make it harder to correct later and you don’t know what may happen if you don’t. Neglecting your dog’s behavior can lead to injuries.
If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. Animals from shelters sometimes have viruses or might have already been sick when taken in by the shelter. It’s crucial that your pet has all necessary shots before it’s brought into your house.
Let your dog feel the love that you have for him. Many owners inadvertently spend more time focusing on their pet’s negative behaviors than on all the good things they do. Your dog will develop more behavioral problems if you adopt this attitude. Instead, make sure you pet or praise your dog five times more often than you scold him. Your dog will more likely showcase proper behavior when you do that.
Dogs will commonly get cut when they’re walking because of the various debris on the ground. Washing a cut with antiseptic and using a bandage is an effective treatment for when dogs get small cuts. Deep or serious wounds must be seen by a vet.
It is crucial that you take your dog into see the veterinarian on a regular basis. Dogs must see their vet for full exams, vaccinations and routine testing. Puppies have to go to the vet more often than older dogs. If your dog appears to be hurt or sick, they need to be brought to the vet immediately.
Caring for your dog is more complex than you may think. It can be challenging on some days when there’s additional responsibilities other than a simple walk or feeding. Learn how to properly take care of all your dog’s needs. If you do, you will have a happy, healthy dog for many years to come.
