Your dog needs a lot more than a daily feeding and a quick pet. He needs to have TLC throughout the day. Want to get a better idea of how your dog needs to be cared for? Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a veteran of many previous canine relationships, you just might pick up a new trick or two from the handy dog advice tips this article has to offer.
Take the time to make sure your house is dog-proofed. Prior to bringing the pooch home, check that the whole home is safe. Put all medication and cleaning supplies away, and keep your indoor trash can inside a cabinet. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Taking just a few such pills can have devastating consequences for a dog. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
You should talk to your vet about the foods you give your dog. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.
Don’t make you dog eat something they don’t want to eat. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. When you have a new dog, take time to learn what they do and don’t like.
If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet right away. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. Your puppy needs to get a few shots before you can safely bring it home.
Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. Many pure bred dogs are abandoned at dog pounds or shelters when owners aren’t able to care for them. Contact your pound and ask them what breeds are currently there. This action could also help to save the life of a dog!
If you have a dog that doesn’t look like it’s very happy because it’s always alone, think about getting your dog a friend. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and they like to be around other dogs. Make sure that you match the dogs up by their personality types.
It is best to train your dog entirely by yourself. Training methods vary by person, and multiple trainers can confuse the dog. Pick a single person to be responsible for all training, and let others support the decisions made by demanding the same standards of behavior from the dog.
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. The vet can detect things like diabetes, thyroid problems and kidney issues long before you see the signs of them. In the long run, annual check-ups save the owner a lot of money and prevent the dog from a lot of unneeded suffering.
Dogs often get cuts from stepping on glass and other debris. If your dog gets a cut, make sure that it is washed with antiseptic and then have a bandage wrapped around the wound. Deep or serious wounds must be seen by a vet.
You need to perform daily tick and flea inspections on your dog as spring and summer approaches. If you spot any fleas, you can remove them with a flea comb. Certain products are geared to eliminate fleas and ticks. Try talking to your vet about these products or other available options.
You need to think carefully about getting a dog before you adopt one. There are a lot of ways you can do this and it is simple to be in love with a puppy dog face. In order to make sure you are ready for dog ownership, think it through carefully.
Dogs do not necessarily need vitamin supplements like humans. If your dog already has a good diet, avoid giving him supplements. Too much of some vitamins can cause injury to the bones, joints and blood vessels. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action for your dog.
Think about how your life is lived, including vacations and events that you go to, before considering a dog. It’s easy to get a dog and think everything will go fine, but you have to be prepared to be a responsible pet owner.
When it is hot outside, do everything necessary to keep your dog safe. It does not take much for dogs to become overheated. Make sure your dog has a cool and shaded area during the summer. Make sure the dog has ready access to cool, clean water. Consult with your vet about the necessity and advisability of sunscreen for your dog.
By taking time out to learn all there is to know about caring for dogs, the better off you and your pet will be. Treating your dog with love and care is what you have to do. If you were in his position, wouldn’t you like your owner to invest time into learning about you?
