Many kinds of dogs exist, as do many kinds of families. Taking care of a dog requires a big responsibility and its decision that should not be taken lightly. Continue reading if you want to be sure that you’re taking care of your pet properly.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. A dog has a very filthy mouth. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. There is an old wives’ tale that says that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. It simply is not true.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. This way, should he get lost, you have a picture you can show others. You can also use the picture to hand our “lost” flyers.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. For instance, if you are athletic, you might want an active dog, not a poodle. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. Getting a dog that matches your lifestyle will make you both more happy.
Don’t ever give your dog bones. Real animal bones can chip and pose a danger to your dog’s digestive tract and mouth. Rawhide is much safer and also cleans teeth.
Your dog’s claws must be trimmed. If they get so long that they start curling under, your dog will probably hurt a lot. Buy some clippers from a pet store and cut them yourself. It is best to take your dog to the groomer if you do not want to do it yourself.
Be sure your dog is physically active. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. No matter what, whether throwing their ball or taking a long walk, you’ll both benefit from it. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.
Avoid keeping your dog outdoors all day, every day. Even though a lot of people tend to do this, a dog requires human interaction to feel good. A dog left alone outside will get very lonely. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.
Certain dog breeds are susceptible to some health problems, so make sure you know what is typical for the breed of dog you have. Research the breed of your dog and take steps to ensure he does not get any infections or diseases. Also, see what advice the vet has in terms of helping your dog overcome breed liabilities.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog that is pure bred, keep the local pound in mind. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can’t look after their dog anymore. Just call your local pound to find out what breeds they have available. Taking this option may save the life of a dog.
If your dog is a female and in heat, you need to be careful if you’re not trying to get her pregnant. Male dogs can smell her scent from up to five miles. Your dog could cause some fights and you will be responsible for finding new homes for the puppies if your dog gets pregnant.
Keep a dog tag on your dog at all times. This is typically a collar with a tag on it. The tag needs to have your name and phone number on it. Additionally, you can put a micro-chip on your dog.
What new laws or regulations concerning pets will affect you? Watch for local legislation that may be passing through the system, restricting and regulating dog owner’s behavior and rights. Frequently, this sort of thing is just a knee-jerk reaction based on an isolated incident. Be sure you speak up and let your voice be heard by getting in touch with your local officials. Don’t allow bad apples to interfere with your rights.
If you’re eating a snack, you sometimes will feel like it’s a good idea to share with your dog. Sometimes that’s okay, but certain foods are bad for dogs. Dogs should never be given caffeine, grapes, or chocolate. These foods can hurt a dog from the inside out.
Don’t think that a dog’s health status can be determined by how its nose feels. Your dog’s nose can be wet for various reasons and they can still be wet when they’re sick. Your dog’s health can be judged by his demeanor, appetite and energy level. Evaluating them will give you a better picture of your dog’s health. You can check the dog’s temperature rectally.
Think about how your life is lived, including vacations and events that you go to, before considering a dog. Many people want dogs, but not everyone is able to handle all the hard work that comes with caring for a dog.
Wash your dog’s dishes regularly. Your dog deserves clean bowls as much as you do. Wash bowls daily and put in fresh water and food afterwards.
Do you feel relieved about caring for your dog right now? You have the information you need to make sure that you don’t have to worry about your pet anymore. Put the tips and advice you’ve read to good use as you make sure your family dog is well taken care of.
