When you’re picking a new dog, you may be searching for the perfect, loving pooch. The end result might be different. However you proceed, you have to care for the dog and you will find that this article can teach you how to do just that.
You must dog-proof your residence. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. Hide medications and chemicals, cover your trash, and put food where he can’t get to it. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it’s best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.
If you’re on any kind of medication, even if it’s over-the-counter, you need to keep it away from your dog. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. If you find that your dog has eaten any medication, you should call a vet as soon as possible.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. 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.
Ask your vet how much food your dog should get every day. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. The vet will know what is best for your pet.
Don’t force your dog to eat something. If your dog is not interested in a treat, do not force your pet to eat it. When you have a new dog, take time to learn what they do and don’t like.
Find out what is going on that is causing your dog to act out. Ignoring it can help your dog to establish lifelong bad habits. The longer you wait to address the problem, the worse the problem will become. Neglecting your dog’s behavior can lead to injuries.
When making a dog food selection, the cheap stuff is rarely the best choice. Your dog will be healthier and happier if you feed it the highest quality food. This may mean higher costs for a better brand, but your dog will get great nutrition from proper sources.
Schedule a vet appointment for the new dog. Once the dog arrive home, place a call to the vet and schedule that appointment. The vet is going to check over your dog to see if everything is okay, as well as set it up to get vaccinations it may need. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.
Follow your vet’s advice when it comes to medications and special care requirements. The dog may not be fond of the treatment or medication, but it’s for its health. When a vet makes a recommendation, it is for the safety and health of your dog; if you ignore them, that can lead to trouble.
If you wish to get a dog that’s a pure breed, you may have some luck with the pound. Lots of dog owners will leave their dog stranded whenever they don’t want it anymore. Simply call the area pound to determine which breeds are available. This action could also help to save the life of a dog!
Always make sure that your dog is wearing some sort of identification on their collar. One thing a lot of people do to be sure they get their dog back is they fit them with a collar that’s breakaway and has an ID tag. Include all personal information necessary on this tag. You can also opt to have a micro-chip inserted into your dog.
Bring your dog to a veterinarian regularly. Dogs need to go to the vet for a check-up, but also to check for heartworm and to ensure they have all their shots. Having a puppy means regular visits to the vet. If your dog seems sick or hurt, you should go to the vet immediately.
Don’t think that a dog’s health status can be determined by how its nose feels. There are many reasons for your dog’s nose to be cold and wet even if the dog is sick. Instead, pay attention to how well he is eating and whether or not he seems energetic. These are more reliable signals of your dog’s health. You can check the dog’s temperature rectally.
You should be firm with your dog. Don’t overfeed your dog or let him destroy your possessions. If a dog is very cute, it will often be spoiled in this manner. Nonetheless, it is best to establish rules and maintain them firmly to avoid problems. For instance, giving scraps to a dog may seem harmless, but if you keep doing it, the dog may think it is fine to jump on a table and take a whole course.
You should give your dog the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. Socializing your dog can be done by going to dog parks, play dates and the groomer.
This advice will prove helpful and ignoring it would be a mistake. Use it all, and soon you may see that your dog is responding in just the way you’ve always dreamed of. Your happy dog will show you unconditional love.
