There is nothing like a dog as a pet. The offer lots of love unconditionally and make for an excellent lifelong companion. The more you know about caring for dogs, the better. To become a truly responsible master to your dog, take a look at the savvy advice presented below.
It costs a lot to own a dog. Not only do you have to buy food, but you have to pay their vet bills and purchase other items that they need. You could spend as much as a thousand dollars in one year on your pet! Emergency vet care is very expensive, in some cases thousands of dollars, so you might want to consider purchasing pet health insurance.
Make your home dog-proof. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Do not have any pills out in the open and put all supplies in cabinets. Some houseplants are toxic and need to be kept out of your dog’s reach.
Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Your dog can’t speak to tell you he’s in pain. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.
Don’t purchase cheap dog food. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. Your dog can really benefit from better food.
Don’t give your dog real bones. Giving them actual bones may cause them to fall apart and become lodged in the digestive tract or oral cavity of your dog. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. You never know what condition the dog might be in. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.
Make sure that your dog is not kept outside your home all day long. Lots of folks do this, but it’s bad because dogs need constant attention. Your dog may be lonely if it is just him. You need to bring your dog inside the house when it is inclement weather outside.
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. Your vet recommendations should be taken seriously for the betterment of your dog’s health.
In summary, dogs help their owners experience unconditional love. However, the more you know about your dog, the better your relationship can be. The above article gave you advice to help with improving your dog knowledge. Use them and any other tips you read to reap the benefits of being a dog owner.