Are you someone that has owned a dog or has grown up around them? There are many things that you will need to learn though. In this article, we will share some excellent tips for proper dog care.
Be sure your house is dog-proofed. Check your whole home to be sure it is safe prior to bringing a dog home. Put all medication and cleaning supplies away, and keep your indoor trash can inside a cabinet. Some common house plants that are toxic to pets should be removed from your home.
Get your dog spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. A spayed or neutered dog is also less likely to stray from its home, meaning it won’t risk getting lost or winding up in a street accident.
Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. Most dog food packages include guidelines but keep in mind that these instructions might not be adapted to your dog. Speak with your veterinarian about what your dog’s needs are and what amounts are proper.
Take your time to teach your dog what kind of behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. Be sure to control and contain your dog to prevent problems with people.
You won’t just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. Daily brushing can help them acquire a beautiful, shiny coat. This is because the motions you go through while brushing evenly distributes the skin’s oils and helps keep the skin healthy, shiny and soft.
If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
Follow your vet’s advice when it comes to medications and special care requirements. They may not like their cone, but they need it for a purpose. When a vet makes a recommendation, it is for the safety and health of your dog; if you ignore them, that can lead to trouble.
Train your dog using positive reinforcement. The promise of reward or praise will motivate your dog more quickly and pleasantly than domination or force. Treating your dog well isn’t just the humane thing to do, it’s effective. Treat your dog well during training and you’ll have better results.
As a responsible dog owner, you’ll want to pay careful attention to your dog’s food and eating habits. As a puppy, it is okay for them to eat foods filled with calories, as they need it for their growth. But, adults dogs who eat these foods tend to gain weight, leading to health issues.
Take special care during the summer. Dogs are very susceptible to overheating. You should have a cool, shady place they for them to go in the summer. Also, be sure your dog has clean, cold water. Also, dogs can have problems with the sun’s rays, so see if the vet has any sunscreens for dogs.
Keep your dog clean and sanitary at all times. A weekly cleaning will prevent ticks and fleas from festering on your dog. This will prevent any issues with their skin, and your home will be cleaner.
It is important to socialize new puppies early, so that they are comfortable with a variety of people and other dogs from the beginning. Getting your pet groomed, taking it on play dates with other dogs, or going to the dog park can help your dog to socialize with other animals.
Take your dog on a walk every day, no matter how busy your schedule is. Your dog will benefit not just from the exercise, but also from the opportunities to see different things and encounter other humans and pets. That is crucial to his growth and development, so make your walks a priority.
Now you know how to care for your dog. Apply what you’ve learned, and you can’t go wrong. Take time to read this article if you have questions.
