There are a variety of pets available to you. You could pick a cat, dog, rat, chinchilla, fish, lizard or snake. However, if you want unconditional love, get a dog. This article can show you just how to take care of one.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. It’s not true.
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. By doing this, in case your dog gets lost, you can provide others with a picture and easily put up flyers, which will assist in finding your dog.
Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. In some cases, your pet may not be able to consume certain food brands without becoming nauseous. Be careful when deciding what to feed your dog.
Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog will appreciate your research.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. Brushing distributes the natural oils of your dog’s fur evenly and it promotes the health of his skin as well.
Your dog’s claws must be trimmed. The nails can cause the dog discomfort if they start to curl under. Buy some clippers and do the job yourself. If this idea makes you uneasy, a groomer can easily attend to them for you.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. Playing and exercising are two crucial components of any healthy dog’s life. No matter what you do, whether it’s going for a long walk or simply throwing a ball or stick, both you and your dog will benefit. You can get a lot of much needed exercise and build a stronger bond with your dog.
Be sure to schedule a check up for your new friend with a trusted veterinarian. As soon as your dog is brought to your home you should get an appointment scheduled with the vet. A vet will make sure the dog is healthy and also set up a future schedule of vaccinations. Also see about getting your dog fixed because there are tons of animals in shelters and adding to that problem isn’t good.
If you are in the market for a pedigree pup, you just may find him at the pound. Many pet owners abandon their dogs at the pound when they no longer want to, or are able to, keep them. Just call your local pound to find out what breeds they have available. Taking this option may save the life of a dog.
Make sure you provide your dog with affection on a regular basis. It’s typical that dog owners will pay much more attention to bad behavior than good behavior. This causes problems with dog behavior. On a ratio of five:one, seek out the positive things your dog does and reward him accordingly. Your dog will probably show proper behavior more if this is done.
If you have one dog that seems lonely or is by himself often, consider another dog. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. Get one that is similar in energy level and temperament and your dog will be in heaven.
Ensure that your dog will come back after being lost by having some type of identification tag. A common method to make sure your lost dog is returned is to have them wear a breakaway collar with an identification tag. Include your dog’s name and your phone number on the tag. You can also have your dog micro-chipped.
Dogs often get cuts from debris or pieces of glass. If you find a small cut on your dog, wash it with antiseptic fluid and bandage that area. If the cut is deep, contact a vet.
Perform tick and flea inspections daily on the dog when it gets warmer out. If you spot any fleas, you can remove them with a flea comb. Certain products are geared to eliminate fleas and ticks. Speak with your vet about which options are best.
During the summer, make sure your dog is comfortable. Dogs are very susceptible to overheating. Have a shaded, cool area they can go to in the summer. Be sure that your pet always has cold and clean water to drink. Consult with your vet about the necessity and advisability of sunscreen for your dog.
Acquiring a dog for the first time is a huge deal, but you will be able to handle it. Continue your education on dogs and their care by reading all you can find. You’ll find that this is a great way to spend your time, and it’ll teach you how to care for your pet.