For many thousands of years, dogs have been considered man’s best friend. Humans and dogs are right for each other, something both parties are pleased with. However, humans like you have the responsibility of taking care of your dogs. Here you will find some advice that should guide you if you wish to have a healthy dog.
Yearly physicals help you and yearly vet checks help your dog. Your dog can’t speak to tell you he’s in pain. Making an annual trip to the vet is the best way to discover and deal with these kinds of problems when they’re still manageable.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It’s been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. Also, dogs that are fixed lose their desire to stray from the home, lessening the chance of them getting lost or hurt.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine’s non-verbal language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don’t insist that they interact. One of the animals could become aggressive. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. If he is ever separated from you, it will be easy to show people what he looks like or print out flyers with a recent picture showing that you are looking for him.
If you are on any kind of medication, you should ensure your dog never gains access to it. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
Never let the dog go off your land without its leash, regardless of its good behavior. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and safety.
Do not buy the cheapest 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. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
Buy or build a home for the dog if they need to stay outside when it’s cold. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing shelter.
Brushing your dog every day is going to stop them from shedding in your home, but more than that. Regular brushing encourages a healthy, shining coat. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.
Trim any hair that’s around your pup’s paws so it doesn’t get matted up. Straighten the hair with a comb slightly before you do any trimming. Go to a professional groomer if you have a hard time doing this yourself.
Keep a dog tag on your dog at all times. A common way to find a lost dog is to ensure it has a collar with an ID tag. Put your own name and contact information on it, along with your dog’s name. You can also have your dog micro-chipped.
Always go to your dog’s yearly check-up. Vets can do early screening for thyroid issues, diabetes and kidney problems before your dog has symptoms. Annual physicals save dog owners money and saves your pet a lot of undue suffering.
If you are looking for a new dog, bring your current pup to check him out. Dogs can be quite social, but some are more effective at socializing than others. Find a dog that your current dog gets along with.
Just because your dog is contained outside does not mean that he does not need as much attention as an indoor dog. If you leave him by himself and without stimulation for extended periods of time, he might decide to dig holes, bark loudly and excessively or chew on wires, ropes and hoses. Your dog could even become aggressive. Make sure to spend time with him daily, loving on him, playing with him and grooming him.
During the summer, make sure your dog is comfortable. It’s easy for dogs to overheat. Be sure your dog can cool off in the shade during the summertime. Keep clean, fresh water readily available at all times. Dogs can also be negatively affected from the sun, so speak with your vet regarding sunscreen for dogs.
Stick to your guns. When some people own dogs they give them extra treats and allow them to misbehave. This is especially the case with a very cute dog! However, if you’re firm with the animal, it won’t have as many accidents. For instance, you may give your dog your food when eating, but he will come to think they can jump on the table and steal your whole steak.
Your responsibility as the owner of a dog is to provide him with everything he needs. It is simple when you have the right knowledge, of course. Just try some of these tips, and you will see a positive difference in your dog.
