Dogs are often considered among man’s best friends. There is a reason that saying came about. If you care for your dog and can handle him, you can have a wonderful relationship. The following tips will prove beneficial to you.
It is expensive to own a dog. Every dog requires good quality food, general supplies and medical care; this can range in cost from $700 to $1000 per year. Getting into a vet if you have an emergency can cost quite a bit of money, sometimes in the thousands, so you may need pet health insurance too.
Be sure your dog is neutered or spayed. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.
Be careful of the ingredients in many flea treatments. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Talk to your vet to learn about flea treatments that are safer and more family friendly, and always keep flea medication out of reach of children.
Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. This causes regular begging and will cause him to dislike his food. Table scraps can also be unhealthy and lead to excess weight and digestive problems. You can keep your dog healthy and avoid any temptation to feed it from the table by teaching it to spend dinnertime well away from your family.
When you brush your dog every day, you reduce shedding problems and benefit your dog’s health in many ways. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. This is caused by the motions since brushing distributes oils that keep skin, soft, shiny and healthy.
Your dog’s nails should be trimmed regularly. If they start curling under, your dog may experience a lot of pain. You can always do your own trimming with clippers from the store. If you can’t do it by yourself, you might want to try the groomers; it does not cost a lot.;
Do not buy cheap food items for your dog in an effort to save money. When you look at the big picture, it is good for your dog to consume nutritious, good quality food. Sure, it’s more expensive. But, isn’t your pet worth it?
If you think you want a dog, but are not sure if you are ready for the commitment involved, consider becoming a foster home. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Fostering a dog will both help the cause and allow you to test drive the responsibility involved with pet ownership.
A dog makes an outstanding animal friend. You will have a better relationship with them if you take the time to learn more. You have gained a lot of knowledge from what you have just read, and hopefully this knowledge can be used to make your pet happy. He will become your best friend for life.
