Dogs are known for being great companions. Some say that they’re better friends than humans. For a conscientious dog owner, learning more about properly caring for a dog is no burden. The piece below is an ideal starting point.
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. Many have ingredients that are dangerous to kids. Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
You should never give table scraps to your dog. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. Your dog may develop digestive problems and become fat if you feed it table scraps. Put your dog in another room while the family eats, and do not allow him to reenter the dining space until dinner is done.
Your vet can give you some good advice on what you should feed your dog. Keep in mind that a young puppy’s stomach is not ready for certain foods. Use your vets advice and common sense to feed your dog properly.
If your dog behaves properly, be sure it is praised and given affection. By rewarding your pup when it does the right thing, you’ll be teaching it to do these behaviors more often. This will teach the dog that when they do what you wish, they’ll get praised.
Don’t try forcing anything into your dog. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. It’s important to take your pets likes and dislikes into consideration and to not push them into anything unnecessary.
Do not overlook your dog’s bad behavior. When you let it go, he thinks it is okay to do. You don’t want to be the owner of a dog who hurts someone, so get a handle on it now.
Daily brushing your dog has more benefits that just reducing shedding. A daily brush will make their coat radiant and shiny. Brushing distributes the natural oils of your dog’s fur evenly and it promotes the health of his skin as well.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.
A foster home is something you can provide for a dog that needs it. Animals are overcrowded in shelters, and the resources available for them are not abundant. Fostering will help you become adapted to the life of a pet owner, and you will be making a difference in the life of a dog at the same time!
Always follow your vet’s instructions to a tee. While a cone around the head is not a pleasant experience for your pet, it may be a necessary requirement for a short time. 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.
Many people love owning a dog, in part because of the affection and companionship that it brings to their lives. If you own a dog or are thinking of getting one, get off to a great start by learning how to properly care for your pet. The advice here will prove to be a good resource for many years.
