Caring for dogs is a huge amount of work. There are actually many parallels with having a baby. Even though it’s a big responsibility, you can learn to do it well. Keep reading to learn some dog tips.
Getting a dog is going to cost you some money. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. Emergency visits to the vet can cost thousands, so you may want to invest in health insurance for your dog.
Neuter or spay your dog. This helps reduce the probability of cancer and extends the life of your dog. A spayed or neutered dog is also less likely to stray from its home, meaning it won’t risk getting lost or winding up in a street accident.
If you keep some medication in your home, make sure your dog cannot access it. Your dog could be seriously injured or killed by ingesting a couple of small pills. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
Talk to your vet about appropriate nutrition for your canine. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Your vet will know how much to feed your particular dog.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
Teach your dog the right way to walk with a leash. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. If you walk in this way, you will be sure that your pet is safe so that your walks are more enjoyable. If you are using a loose leash, you help your dog to realize this is the best way to go about it.
You may need to trim hair that grows near the dog’s paws to help keep it from matting. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. If you’d prefer, you could have a groomer do this for you.
You might find a pure breed dog at the pound. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it. Call the pound to see what they have. This might save your dog’s life.
Dogs will commonly get cut when they’re walking because of the various debris on the ground. If your dog suffers a cut, clean it with antiseptic and bandage the wound. If you think the cut is fairly deep you should see a vet.
You need to take your responsibilities as a dog owner seriously. In the same way you would care for a child, you must make sure that your dog has everything necessary to survive. Taking care of a dog requires consistency and responsibility, and you can do it if you apply yourself. Use the information in the article above to help you give your dog the best care you can.
