It is a huge responsibility to own a dog. It’s similar to caring for a kid, except they bark instead of cry. Even though it’s a big responsibility, you can learn to do it well. The following tips will give you these necessary skills.
Just as you need to keep up with your annual doctor’s appointment, your dog needs to see his vet annually too. Because your dog can’t speak with you, you may have trouble knowing when your dog is feeling pain like if it has arthritis. Bringing your dog to the vet each year can help stop these health issues from becoming a huge problem.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. This way, if you find out that your dog went missing along the way, you will have a recent picture that you can show to people when you go out to look for you pet.
Be sure to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. If your dog has access to these pills, there can be fatal consequences. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. A large number of them contain high doses of carcinogens and other hazardous ingredients. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.
Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. A lot of the time a dog might not want to eat some brands of dog food, this might make them sick. Be safe when taking care of your dog.
Be sure to praise your dog freely and consistently whenever he exhibits a desired behavior. This will show that you appreciate what your dog is doing. It also teaches your dog that when he does the things you want, he will get praised.
Brushing your dog every day is going to stop them from shedding in your home, but more than that. Brushing your dog every day helps its coat become beautiful and shiny. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.
Certain dog breeds are prone to particular health issues, so find out what is typical for the type of dog you have. Find out what your dog’s breed frequently suffers from and the symptoms. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
You can find many types of dogs at the pound, even pure breeds. Some owners leave their dogs, which gives you an opportunity to give them a better life. Make a phone call to local pounds and shelters and see what kinds of dogs are there. This might save your dog’s life.
If your dog gets anxious about being away from you, or you want to give him a little treat, leave music on while you are at work. The sounds of the music will provide a sense of security and company for your dog. This might just quell his anxiety while waiting for you to return.
Your dog needs plenty of affection. Do not focus on just the negatives with your dog. This could cause lots of problems for you. Praise your dog at least 5x more than you discipline him. When you do this, you will probably end up with a better behaved dog.
When you are training your dog, don’t have too many people telling your dog what to do. Having multiple people train your dog will only confuse him. Have a single person focus on training your dog, and have anyone else work to reinforce what the dog is learning. No matter what their opinions are, they should stick to the rules set by the trainer.
If you are looking for a new dog, bring your current pup to check him out. Most dogs enjoy another dog’s company, but some dogs do not get along. If you find two dogs that can get along, you’ll save yourself some trouble.
Give serious thought to the idea of having a dog prior to adopting one. While a puppy’s face is adorable, you must consider everything as far as providing care. Make a thorough, honest evaluation of your preparedness and suitability before you agree to care for a dog.
When you’re beginning training, experiment with various reward systems. Try to figure out what your dog needs to do good. Dogs will always respond to food as a treat, so see what types works best. Dogs that are more responsive to some play time can be rewarded with a game of catch. You may even find that your dog is best motivated by a little rubdown and affection.
During the warmest months of summer, it is especially important to care for your dog properly. Dogs can overheat easily. You should have a cool, shady place they for them to go in the summer. Be sure your dog can get to clean, cool water at all times. The dog can also be sensitive to the sun, so talk to your veterinarian about dog sunscreen.
Crate training your puppy could be an ideal scenario for you if there is not going to be someone around to watch him/her at all times during the day. This can help lessen the damage in the home and assist in housebreaking your dog.
Walk your dog each day regardless of your other commitments. Not only do dogs need to exercise, but it also allows your pet to become mentally stimulated by interacting with various things. If you want your dog to grow up to be friendly and happy, you should ensure you walk it regularly.
You should take dog care seriously. This will give it the best chance to live a long, healthy life. Though it is a big job to do, you should be able to do it. This article will highlight different ways to be a great owner.
