No pets can compete with a dog when it comes to loyalty, love, and affection. Dogs are good for both single people and families alike. If you have a dog, try these tips out to help make its life even better.
You must dog-proof your residence. Take the time to tour your home with an eye for safety before you introduce your dog to your home. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
Hugs are good, but kisses should be avoided. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog’s mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria. Dogs rummage through trash, drink toilet water and lick other dog’s body parts. Keep in mind that an animal’s mouth is full of germs. This is not in the least bit true.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. They are also more likely to remain close to home, reducing their risk of becoming lost or getting injured by a car or another animal.
When you take your dog on vacation with you, get a snapshot of them for your phone. This allows you to have a photo of him if he gets lost.
Always have your dog on a leash when he’s off your property. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.
Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. Your dog can figure out things easier when they get these signals. Every pet is different though, so use a combination of both verbal and visual cues and then determine what works the best.
Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren’t the best for your dog. Get a list from an animal advocacy or consumer awareness group of the highest recommended foods to give your dog. Your dog will enjoy and benefit much more from healthier food.
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog. Rawhide is proven healthy and great for teeth as well, but don’t be tempted to share that T-bone, no matter what kind of eyes your dog gives you.
Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Keep your dog safe by giving him shelter.
If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
There are many ways to show your dog how cherished he is. As with most things, owners tend to focus more on the bad behavior instead of the good. This can cause problems later on. Rather, stroke, praise and pet your dog at least three to four times more than you scold or speak sternly to him. When you do this, you’ll see much better behavior from your dog.
Any dog accident in your home should be cleaned up immediately. Make sure that you clean up the mess quickly and thoroughly. If your dog can still smell it, he may repeatedly defecate in that area.
You might be tempted to share your food with your dog. Some foods are fine to give, but others really are not. Onions, garlic and chocolate are just a few foods which are intolerable to dogs. These food can have harmful effects on your pup’s health.
Are you aware that vitamins can harm your dog? As long as your dog has a good diet, he or she needs no extra vitamin supplements. An excess of some vitamins can cause blood vessel damage, as well as damage to his joints and bones. Speak to the vet before you give your dog any vitamins.
Never trust the feel of your dog’s nose as the sole diagnosis of a health condition. There are lots of reasons why his nose may be this way, even if he is feeling ill. You can get a feeling about a dog’s overall health by watching its demeanor, appetite, and energy levels. These are good barometers of the dog’s health. You can also take his temperature with a rectal thermometer.
Outdoor dogs are not solitary creatures. If you leave a dog alone too much, it will eventually develop bad habits, such as chewing, digging, and barking. There is also a chance me may become aggressive. Give him lots of love and playtime to keep him happy.
Put your dog in a crate if you are not able to watch him. This will help keep your house undamaged.
Take your vet’s advice about which food is best for your dog. There are a variety of medical issues that may decree your dog needs to be particular about its diet. If you have such a dog, giving him incorrect foods can actually be harmful. Therefore, seek a vet’s advice as to what would work best for your dog.
Taking care of a dog can be complicated. There is more to dog care than going for walks and providing food. Give the proper affection to your dog, and show him a lot of compassion. If you do, your dog will live a long and happy life.
