There are a lot of pets out there. Have you been considering adding a new member to your family? But, if you want a pet to be faithful and your best friend, the dog is the way to go. This article provides you with information about caring for your dog.
Since your dog can’t talk to you, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. This could end up in negative biting or fighting behavior. Keep eye on non-verbal clues and look toward your dog for your next move.
Do not fall prey to the temptation to feed table scraps to your dog. This can make your dog not want to eat his dog food, and it will promote begging. Table scraps can negatively affect the dog’s health and cause digestive issues or obesity. Make your dog stay out of the room when the family is eating.
Ask your vet what kinds of foods you should feed to your dog and what to stay away from. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to properly digest certain brands, sometimes causing an adverse reaction. Always exercise caution when it comes to your animal’s food.
Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog’s specific needs are.
Take time and correct bad behavior when you first see it. Ignoring it can help your dog to establish lifelong bad habits. The longer you wait to address the problem, the worse the problem will become. Bad behaviors that are left uncontrolled can result in human injuries to you, your child, your friend or your neighbor. This is why it’s important to nip them in the bud immediately!
Makes sure your dog gets adequate exercise. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Throw a ball around the park with your dog and play fetch. Not only will your canine buddy get the stimulation required for staying healthy, the two of you will bond much more closely.
Put a leash on your dog at all times when walking him. Keep your dog at your side when you are taking a walk. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.
Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. There are plenty of animals sitting in homeless shelters who desperately need a home due to over-crowding and limited shelter resources. Fostering a dog will both help the cause and allow you to test drive the responsibility involved with pet ownership.
If your pup seems lonely by itself, consider getting another dog. Dogs generally like to have companions that are dogs. Ensure you carefully select your dog’s match based on behavior and energy levels. By doing this, both of your dogs will be happy.
During hot weather, check your dog for fleas and ticks daily. If you spot any fleas, you can remove them with a flea comb. There are a lot of available products that can control fleas and ticks on your dog. Try talking to your vet about these products or other available options.
You may think it’s okay to share your own snacks with your dog. While some foods are fine for sharing with your dog, there are some that must be avoided. Grapes, chocolate, and caffeine are all things that you should never give your pup. These types of food are very detrimental to your dog’s health.
Taking in a dog is not a small task, but the information you have learned from this article should make it that much easier. Continue learning and reading about dogs. You can turn it into a hobby and make your pet a happy one.
