Owning a pooch is a huge responsibility. 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.
Keep your medications out of paw’s reach. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
Flea Treatments
Be careful with canine flea treatments. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Ask your vet for recommendations instead, and keep children away while you’re applying flea treatments.
Resist the urge to give your dog table scraps. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food. Table scraps are also not nutritionally sound for a dog, and this might mean digestive problems, obesity, and other ailments. Put your dog in another room while the family eats, and do not allow him to reenter the dining space until dinner is done.
Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.
If you are not sure of how much to feed your dog each day, talk to your vet about it. Even though many people stick to the label on the can or package of the dog’s food, sometimes these guidelines might not work for the type of dog that you have. This could lead to your dog becoming obese. Speak with your veterinarian about what your dog’s needs are and what amounts are proper.
Do not force your dog to do anything. If your dog doesn’t like the treat you’ve bought, don’t make him eat it. When you first get a dog, you should take some time to get to know what it likes and what it dislikes.
When you are getting dog food for your pet, don’t try to save money and get whatever is cheapest. Your dog will enjoy greater health benefits from nutritious food. Though this may cost you a bit more, you can rest easily knowing that the dog is eating properly.
Always make sure your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. Your dog has to understand the “heel” command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. This will keep him safe, and it’ll make walks more enjoyable. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.
It isn’t easy to care for a dog. Your dog must be cared for as carefully as you would take care of a child. He must have what he needs to thrive. It can seem difficult, but you’ll be able to do it. Use the information in the article above to help you give your dog the best care you can.