Caring for a dog is a lot of work and you should not underestimate the responsibilities of being a dog owner. It is not something you can simply jump into right away. Read the tips outlined below if you want to know what you can do to improve your approach to dog care.
Make sure your home is dog-proof. Before bringing home your new pup, make sure that it’s safe. Medicine and cleaners should be stored, and indoor trash should be placed in a cabinet. Some houseplants are toxic and need to be kept out of your dog’s reach.
A physical is good for you, and a yearly vet trip is good for your dog. Because your dog is unable to speak, you may not know for sure when your dog feels sick or has an injury. A yearly checkup will help you find any problems before they become huge issues.
When you are training your dog, you should practice in your home or in your yard. You shouldn’t train your dog where many other people are present. Your dog may have trouble paying attention, and even the simplest commands could go right over their head.
Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
When your dog is good, praise him immediately. He needs to understand that this is the right thing to do. This also shows the dog that good behavior will earn praise.
Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog’s needs.
Don’t give your dog real bones. Bones can chip and get lodged in the digestive tract or mouth. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
Do not try to feed your dog something they do not like. If your dog is not interested in a treat, do not force your pet to eat it. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.
Give your dog plenty of exercise for both his body and his mind. Bring him outside and teach him how to fetch. The training will challenge him mentally and the affection you show for a job well done will bond him to the family routine.
Always make sure that your dog is wearing some sort of identification on their collar. This is typically a collar with a tag on it. Put your own name and contact information on it, along with your dog’s name. Having your vet equip your dog with a micro-chip is a good idea.
It isn’t unusual for dogs to injure their paws by stepping on bits of glass or other debris. Wash the cut with antibacterial soap, dry it thoroughly, and leave it to air dry unless it is bleeding or the dog is licking it. If the cut seems unusually deep, take your dog to see the veterinarian.
Be very careful when choosing your dog’s food. There are many kinds of foods you can pick, but the one you choose should fit with your dog’s size and age. Feeding leftovers to a dog can save money, but a proper diet is harder to maintain with them eating leftovers.
Were you aware that vitamins are not good for your dog? A balanced diet may be all that your dog needs. Having excess vitamins can damage bones, blood vessels and joints. If you’re going to be giving your dog vitamins, be sure to talk to your vet first.
You need to watch your dog’s diet. As a puppy, it is okay for them to eat foods filled with calories, as they need it for their growth. As your dog ages, his caloric intake should be reduced to avoid obesity.
You should be firm with your dog. Dog owners often feel that it is no big deal to sneak foods to their pets or allow them to destroy certain toys. Regardless of how they look, you will need to stand firm. But, if you stay firm, you can avoid accidents. If you are not firm, your dog will take advantage of you.
It may be cute when your plays with your slippers, but you won’t appreciate it if he chews them up. It is important to prevent those habits from developing. When the puppy is observed doing such things, you need to take corrective action immediately. This can help prevent future problems.
Try not to leave your dog alone for long periods of time. Generally people will have to go to work and dogs will adjust. Always keep in mind how long your dog is alone for. Leaving a TV or radio on can help him feel a bit better. Also, a pet sitter could help if you are often gone for very long periods of time.
With the assistance of the advice you’ve just received, you should be better equipped to care for a dog properly. Show a relaxed nature towards the dog and be patient to them as they will reciprocate in kind. Make sure you continue to keep your knowledge levels up-to-date about how to care for your dog.
