health issues

Do you love the fact that you own a dog? Dogs are beloved pets nearly everywhere for good reason. Dogs are affectionate, playful and enjoy being happy. A dog makes a fabulous companion. That is why you want to make sure you are doing your part to give them the best possible care. Here are some things you can learn if you need to know more.

If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. If the dog does consume some medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Do not feed your dog from the table. This will make him beg more often, and he may gain a preference for human food. Your dog may develop digestive problems and become fat if you feed it table scraps. While you and your family dine, keep your dog in another room so that table-feeding isn’t an option.

It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.

Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. You will see a difference in your dog’s activity level and general happiness when you feed him “good” food.

Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues. Always protect him from wind, sun and rain by making sure he has a dry shelter to go to.

Even if you seek a pure bred animal, you should not overlook the pound. There are people who drop off pets for many different reasons, such as moving abroad or the death of an owner. Speak to the nearest pound to see if an option suits you. You could possibly be saving a dog’s life in the process.

Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical and mental. You can even teach your dog useful tricks such as fetching the newspaper for you. This kind of play will make your dog feel like a contributing member of the family and keep his mental functioning at a high level.

Always make sure to keep your dog’s annual vet visits. Your vet can detect any health problems before they are too serious. Annual physicals can save a lot of problems in the future.

Schedule appointments with the vet regularly. At regular intervals your dog needs heartworm testing, vaccinations, and general check-ups. Puppies must visit the vet more often. If your dog seems ill or becomes injured, you must take it to a vet immediately.

Affection works both ways; love your dog as much as he loves you. By applying the advice in this piece, you have the ability to take great care of any dog. Your dog deserves a great life and using this information can make your life happier too.