Are you interested in adopting a dog from a shelter? Would you rather have a dog that is a pure breed? Whether you are looking for a regular house dog or a show dog, either one will bring a lot of love into your life. You are also taking on a big responsibility, and the article below has the information you need to care for your dog.
It’s very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. Prior to bringing your dog into your home, be sure that it is entirely safe. Place any meds or household cleaning supplies out of reach, and place any trash cans in a cabinet. Keep house plants out of his reach, especially if they could be poisonous.
If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. Many medicines that benefit you can be harmful or fatal to your dog. If the dog does consume some medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.
When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. Avoid training your dog in heavily occupied areas. This can cause your dog to get distracted, which can make training them simple commands almost impossible.
Always have your dog on a leash when he’s off your property. 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. Your dog is your responsibility.
Build or buy a house for your dog if he has to stay outdoors for any length of time in cold weather. If his feet get wet, being exposed to extreme weather can cause health issues and stress. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. Playing and exercising are two crucial components of any healthy dog’s life. Playing fetch or going for a nice walk will be good for both you and the dog. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
When you get a new dog, schedule a visit with a vet. Once the dog arrive home, place a call to the vet and schedule that appointment. The vet will examine your dog. Ask your vet about neutering your dog. Shelters are filled with unwanted animals and not neutering your dog means you could be making this problem worse.
Make sure the hair located on your dog’s paws is trimmed in order to prevent matting. Prior to trimming the hair, make sure the hair is straight by using a comb. A professional groomer may be a good solution if you are confident about trimming the hair yourself.
Whatever your vet recommends, do it. He may not like wearing a cone over his head, but it’s prescribed for a reason! The recommendations of your vet are always in your dog’s best interest.
Playing music in your home when you leave for your job may help your dog with separation anxiety. The sounds of the music will provide a sense of security and company for your dog. It can help his anxiety as he waits for your return.
Help your dog to stay active mentally and help him to exercise enough. Train him to do fun things like retrieve a ball. The training will challenge him mentally and the affection you show for a job well done will bond him to the family routine.
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 new things online! You can even find online discussion groups where other dog lovers meet. Gaining knowledge can last a lifetime, so keep going!
