If you want a dog, or even if you already have one, you should know that taking care of a dog is hard work. It isn’t a task that will come naturally to you. Review the information below to learn how to take great care of your dogs.
It can be quite costly to own a dog. You need to pay for high quality food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.
If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog’s health and even cause death. If you notice that your dog has consumed any of your medication, you need to immediately contact your vet.
Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. Keep in mind that a young puppy’s stomach is not ready for certain foods. Always be cautious about dog food.
Check with your vet to determine the amount of food to feed your dog daily. Sometimes the guidelines on pet food labels aren’t correct, and following them could lead to obesity. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Real bones can chip and fragments may become lodged in their mouths or digestive tract. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
Plenty of physical activity is one of your dog’s necessities. A dog needs to play and exercise on a regular basis so that it can be happy and healthy. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. This doesn’t just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.
Schedule a vet appointment for the new dog. This is one of the first things you should do. The vet will give him a complete health check and set up a vaccination schedule. Also see about getting your dog fixed because there are tons of animals in shelters and adding to that problem isn’t good.
Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. He should stay by your side, not in front of or behind you, and respond to the command “heel”. This will not only make your walks more enjoyable, but it will also help keep your dog safe. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.
Now that you know more about dogs, you shouldn’t have serious concerns about caring for them. All that it takes is some patience and love. You’ll know that your dog appreciates it by the way it acts. Make sure you continue to keep your knowledge levels up-to-date about how to care for your dog.