Dogs are really one of the very best pets you can own. They provide unconditional love and bring joy to their owners’ lives. But, if you want to do the best thing for you and your pet, you need to learn all about dog care that you can. Here are the basics in learning to understand and care for your dog.
It is expensive to own a dog. The costs associated with general and medical care along with high-quality food can be upwards of a thousand 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.
A physical is good for you, and a yearly vet trip is good for your dog. Obviously, dogs don’t speak, so it can be hard to figure out when they’re having problems with their bones or teeth. A checkup every year can make sure that issues are caught before he is suffering too much.
Since your dog can’t talk to you, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don’t insist that they interact. If you do, someone may get hurt. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. Use a consumer awareness or animal advocacy group to obtain a list of the best foods that come with the highest recommendations by professionals. Your dog will appreciate your research.
Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. If you neglect your dog’s nails, they will be in discomfort. Try trimming them with scissors you buy at the store. It is best to take your dog to the groomer if you do not want to do it yourself.
Solid leash training is a must for any dog. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you. Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.
If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. He may not like wearing a cone over his head, but it’s prescribed for a reason! Your vet recommendations should be taken seriously for the betterment of your dog’s health.
Let your dog know that you care about him. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. This could lead to trouble down the line. On a ratio of five:one, seek out the positive things your dog does and reward him accordingly. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.
Annual vet check-ups are important. This allows the vet to catch any diseases in the early stages before they can cause enough damage for you to even notice. Annual physicals can save a lot of problems in the future.
When you’re snacking, you might be tempted to let your dog snack too. Some foods are okay, but many foods aren’t good for dogs. Always avoid giving your dog chocolate and grapes, for instance. These can be fatal if ingested.
Keep your dog clean and sanitary at all times. Though dogs don’t need bathing every day, they ought to have one each week. This keeps those skin conditions away, and it also makes for a cleaner home.
If you are thinking about getting a dog, it is also wise to think about a training course for that dog. A well-trained dog who responds properly to commands is a happy dog. You will be happier with him, too. Regardless of the age of your dog, he can be trained.
Consider what your dog is eating. Contrary to popular opinion, the most expensive dog food is not always the best. Talk to a vet about food recommendations for your dog, considering their health, age and breed. A good diet will help your pet live longer.
While you might find adorable if your puppy chews on your shoes, that won’t be the case if an adult dog destroys them. Therefore, you need to take action and eliminate this bad habit immediately. When your puppy is doing things it shouldn’t be doing, get that behavior under control right then and there. This will reduce problems down the road.
Dogs bring a lot of love to both children and adults. However, the make the most of your relationship, it is necessary to learn everything you can. This article gave you tips to help you become a dog expert. Put these tips into practice; they will help you enjoy your life with your dog.
