Being a dog owner is not easy. Dogs, just like children, need to be fed the right foods, exercised, groomed and cleaned, and taken to the doctor. Is it impossible to learn every twist and trick in the dog ownership game? Learning these basics will get you off to a great start with your new dog.
Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, and see if he has more holistic treatment options that might help to keep your pet free from fleas and your family safe.
Table Scraps
Avoid giving your pup table scraps. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food. Scraps can be terrible for his diet and lead to obesity and other health problems. Train your dog to sit far away from your dining room so that you and your family won’t be tempted to feed it table scraps.
If you are teaching your dog, do it at home. This allows you to control how many people are there while the training takes place. The more people there are, the more difficult training will be. Distractions occur, making it difficult to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
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 bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
When you brush your dog every day, you reduce shedding problems and benefit your dog’s health in many ways. Brushing daily can ensure your dog’s coat is shiny and healthy looking. Brushing helps to spread the oil on the skin which results in soft, shiny, and healthy skin.
Never leave any dog outside for long durations. While this is what many people do, dogs require socialization with people and/or other animals. If your dog is alone outside, it will quickly get 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.
Your vet will provide sound advice regarding medication or special needs for your pet, so ensure you pay heed to their words. Even if your dog resists, it is important for their health that you listen to the veterinarian. Recommendations that a vet makes are for the good of your pet and if you don’t adhere to these things it could be bad for your pet.
You now know a thing or two about dogs. When it comes to mastering dog ownership, you have the foundation you need to make it happen. Put these tips into practice, and you and your dog will be better off.
