There are a variety of pets available to you. You could have a reptile or fish, a small rodent, or a cat. However, the number one choice made by people continues to be a dog. Read on to find out what it takes to take care of your dog.
Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Choose dog food adapted to the age of your puppy and use common sense when determining which foods are healthy for your dog.
If you aren’t sure of the amount of food your dog needs on a daily basis, talk to your vet. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
Don’t buy your dog cheap dog food. Cheap brands usually are loaded with additives that can be bad for health. Looking at a pet advocacy group website can give you recommendations of the best food for your dog. Your dog will enjoy and benefit much more from healthier food.
Pay attention to the nails of your canine. If they start curling under, your dog may experience a lot of pain. Nails can easily be clipped. Your local pet store will have the tool you need. If you’d prefer, you can have the groomers trim your pup’s nails.
If you’re going to adopt a new dog from an animal shelter, you need to get a vet appointment scheduled as soon as possible. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already. You need to ensure your dog gets their shots.
Your dog must learn to walk on a leash correctly. The dog needs to stay beside you, not behind or in front of you. It also needs to know the command “heel”. Walking like this can keep them safe and help you enjoy walks too. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.
A foster home is something you can provide for a dog that needs it. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. Fostering a dog will both help the cause and allow you to test drive the responsibility involved with pet ownership.
When you leave to work, leave music on for your dog just to be nice, or if he has separation anxiety. The noise will keep him company and make him feel a little more secure. This can significantly help reduce its anxiety.
Keep dogs mentally active by giving them many opportunities for physical exercise. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. They’ll feel like a useful family member and the constant reinforced training will maintain their sharp thinking skills.
Dogs can cut their paw beds when stepping on glass, rocks or other debris. If your dog gets a cut, make sure that it is washed with antiseptic and then have a bandage wrapped around the wound. If the cut seems unusually deep, take your dog to see the veterinarian.
If you have a dog but are thinking of getting another one, try to get the two to meet. Though most are sociable, certain dogs are better able to get along with other dogs than others. Having dogs that get along with each other makes your life that much easier.
Were you aware that some vitamins could hurt your dog? Your dog does not need vitamins if you feed it a good diet. If you give your dog a large amount of vitamins, you could be damaging his joints, bones, and blood vessels. Speak with a vet before starting your dog’s vitamin regimen.
Always praise your dog when he does something good. A dog learns quickly when he knows he will be rewarded. Positive reinforcement is more efficient and will allow you to connect with your pet. Be kind to your dog and use positive reinforcement at all times.
When you go out to work or to school, crate training is your best bet. Doing this can prevent your items from being damaged and keep the dog from using the bathroom inside the home.
Walk your dog as often as you can to give it exercise. Walks aren’t just about the exercise. They provide new experiences and a chance of socialization. Daily walks help your dog grow and become socialized properly.
Taking in a dog is not a small task, but the information you have learned from this article should make it that much easier. Take the time to continue reading and learning about the wonderful world of dogs. You’ll be better able to care for you dog and have a wonderful hobby!
