Nothing beats a dog in terms of the loyalty and love that can be received. Dogs are good for both single people and families alike. If you’re wanting to care for your dog better, the tips that follow can help.
It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. High quality dog food, medical care, toys and treats can easily run close to $1,000 in a year. Emergency vet visits can cost a ton, so think about purchasing health insurance for your dog.
You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. It can be difficult to know what could be causing your dog pain since they cant talk to you. A checkup every year can make sure that issues are caught before he is suffering too much.
Do not feed your dog “people food”. This will make him want human food every time you have a meal. Feeding table scraps to your dog could lead to digestive problems or obesity. If you spend the time to train your dog to spend mealtimes well removed from the table, there won’t be any scrap-feeding temptations to worry about.
Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. A wild animal may get his attention and cause him to run off, or he may have a bad situation with others and their dogs. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.
Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. Keeping a mismatch out of play makes both of you happy.
Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. Although some dog owners stick to the recommended guidelines on the dog food, these guidelines can often be too much for your dog, which can lead to obesity. Speak with a vet about your dog’s needs and what they should have.
Daily brushing brings great rewards – much more than just a reduction in shedding. Brushing every day can also help your dog to have a shiny and beautiful coat. This is mainly due to the fact that brushing allows the oils in the skin to be distributed evenly. That keeps the skin soft, shiny, and healthy.
Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. A dog needs to play and exercise on a regular basis so that it can be happy and healthy. Playing fetch or going for a nice walk will be good for both you and the dog. In addition to providing much needed exercise, you will develop a lifelong bond with your pup.
Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. High quality foods are always your best bet. This may mean that you have to pay a higher price, but you will know your dog is receiving all of the nutrients he needs.
A dog should not be left outside all day. This is done for various reasons, but your dog needs interaction with people. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. Plus, bad weather can be health and even life threatening to your pet.
When seeking pure bred dogs, you shouldn’t automatically rule out pounds. People who aren’t fully committed to dog ownership often abandon their animals at the pound. Simply call your pound and see what they have. When you adopt a dog, you save its life.
If your dog gets anxious about being away from you, or you want to give him a little treat, leave music on while you are at work. This will help him feel more secure and provide him with a little company. Doing this might help your dog get past its anxiety while it awaits your return.
Be sure that your dog has some kind of identification in case it were to escape from your home. Purchase a dog tag so your dog has identification. Put your own name and contact information on it, along with your dog’s name. You may also want to install a micro-chip into your dog.
Keep your annual appointments for check-ups with your dog. Vets can find problems such as kidney troubles, thyroid issues and diabetes well before symptoms appear to you. By having a physical each year, you can avoid unnecessary expenses later on and your dog will not suffer.
If your dog has an accident indoors, be certain you get rid of any sign of it. You must make use of an effective cleaner and a strong odor remover. If your dog can still smell it, he may repeatedly defecate in that area.
Owning a dog involves following through on quite a few responsibilities. There is more to dog care than going for walks and providing food. You should be aware of how to properly take care of your dog. The more you learn the better your chances are at having this wonderful companion with you for a very long time.
