Growing up with a pet is not the same thing as being the adult responsible for it. If you are contemplating dog ownership or already have a dog, there are many things you ought to know. This article will provide you with great tips on caring for your dog.
Just like people need regular yearly physicals, dogs need the same thing. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.
Be sure to have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you have a current picture that you can show others or use to make “lost” posters.
If you’re on any kind of medication, even if it’s over-the-counter, you need to keep it away from your dog. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
Look into the flea treatments. Several have cancer causing ingredients, and they can be especially harmful to young children. 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.
Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to properly digest certain brands, sometimes causing an adverse reaction. Be careful when deciding what to feed your dog.
Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. Studies have shown that rawhide bones are good for your dog’s health and their teeth. Don’t give in and let your dog gnaw on real bones. Stick to rawhide.
After you’ve read over the above article, all of your dog care questions should be answered. If you simply apply the techniques in a thoughtful way, you are bound to succeed. Keep this article as a handy reference, in case you find yourself wondering what to do again sometime in the future.