One of the best pets to own is a dog due to its friendliness and loyal nature. But generally, you have to make them that way. You must teach them to behave correctly and you must learn how to care for them. The following article will make you more educated on dogs.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. It is unsanitary to be licked by a dog. Dogs poke around trash cans, love smelling and licking other dogs’ body parts and enthusiastically drink from toilet bowls. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is not true, at all!
Your dog needs annual medical exams. Your dog can’t talk, it might be difficult to find out what is wrong if there is an issue. Check-ups can reveal that and more.
Dog training should be take place out in the yard, or even inside your home. It’s never good to try and train your pet when there are quite a few people around. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog’s specific needs are.
If your dog needs to be outside during cold months, buy him a house or build him one. If your dog happens to get his feet wet for a long period of time in cold temperatures, it can cause health complications. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.
When you buy dog food, avoid the cheap stuff. Over the course of the dogs life he will be much healthier if you stick to high quality food with plenty of nutritional value. This may mean higher costs for a better brand, but your dog will get great nutrition from proper sources.
Teach your dog the right way to walk with a leash. Your pet shouldn’t be ahead of you, behind you, or anywhere that isn’t by your side. They should also answer correctly when you say “heel”. Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.
Providing foster care for a homeless dog can be a great way to see if you are suited to care for a dog. A lot of abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting, but resources are slim. Lend a hand by fostering a dog, and determine if it is a good fit for you and your family.
When giving your dog medication or special treatment, follow vet instructions closely. For instance, your dog may need a cone and not like it, but your vet prescribed it for a reason. If your veterinarian recommends something, it’s because it’s what’s best for your dog. If you ignore recommendations, your dog could have some major health issues.
Make sure you are providing your dog with the opportunity for plenty of physical exercise as well as staying mentally active. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. Your dog will feel useful and like a contributing piece of the family, during the process of sharpening his mental capacity.
Dog Owners
Get into pet politics! Keep track of local laws which affect dog owners. This typically occurs because of a certain kind of breed that has attacked other people, usually because of the negligence of the owner. Speak up for the rights of responsible dog owners everywhere by contacting local officials.
Take your dog for regular vet visits. Your dog should see a vet for check-ups, blood tests and to ensure they’re up to date with vaccinations. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. When your dog seems to be sick or injured in any way, it is time to go to the vet.
You have likely realized that it isn’t terribly hard to care for your dog. It will be a little difficult at first, but the above advice should have you pointed in the right direction. This will help you take the best care possible of your dog.
