Dogs have a unique ability to give companionship and loyalty to their owners. It is important for you to fully understand how to take care of your dog so you can watch it grow up happy and healthy. Start by reading this article for some useful tips.
It can be quite costly to own a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. You should also look into purchasing a good pet health insurance policy to avoid high medical bills.
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. Avoid forcing your dog to interact with others if he doesn’t want to. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
Be careful with canine flea treatments. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Bring up the subject of alternative and family-friendly treatments the next time you see your vet, and always be sure to apply these treatments when no children are present.
Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. Sometimes the guidelines on pet food labels aren’t correct, and following them could lead to obesity. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog’s specific needs are.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Real bones chip apart and can become dangerously lodged in the oral cavity or digestive track. Rawhide is great for oral health, so don’t give Rover any of your T-bone, regardless of how much you know he wants it.
You shouldn’t make your dog do something it doesn’t want to do. If you’re trying to get your dog to eat a new treat and it’s not showing any interest, don’t force them to eat it. When you first get a dog, you should take some time to get to know what it likes and what it dislikes.
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.
If your welcome a new dog into your family, immediately schedule a check up for him. As soon as your dog is brought to your home you should get an appointment scheduled with the vet. The veterinarian will make sure your pet is as healthy as you think he is and also talk to you about vaccinations. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don’t want to make the problem worse.
Trim hair around a dog’s paws so that hair mats don’t form. Straighten hair with a comb a bit before you trim it. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, you should get a professional groomer to do it.
Always follow any instructions from the vet carefully, especially if your dog requires medication or other special attention. Your dog won’t like a cone, but he has to wear it. If your veterinarian recommends something, it’s because it’s what’s best for your dog. If you ignore recommendations, your dog could have some major health issues.
Even if you seek a pure bred animal, you should not overlook the pound. Lots of dog owners take animals to the pound when they can’t care for them any longer. Contact your pound and ask them what breeds are currently there. You could possibly be saving a dog’s life in the process.
Let your dog feel the love that you have for him. It’s typical that dog owners will pay much more attention to bad behavior than good behavior. This often results in problems later. Remember to praise and be affectionate with your dog more frequently than you discipline him. Dogs stand a much better chance of displaying good behavior if that is the case.
If your dog isn’t happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and they like to be around other dogs. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.
Always make sure to keep your dog’s annual vet visits. The vet will be able to spot signs of diabetes, thyroid issues and kidney trouble a while before your dog shows any signs. Annual exams can prevent lots of unneeded expenses later on.
Have your current dog choose your new dog. Dogs are social creatures, but it’s true that some dogs are more friendlier than others. Finding dogs that are compatible is a good way to save yourself hassle and heartache.
If you can’t be with your puppy all day, crate training is probably ideal for you. This can help prevent damage to your home and unwanted urine or feces inside.
Your dog should be as clean as you are. You may not need to bathe your dog daily, but it should get a thorough cleaning once weekly. A clean dog will be less likely to develop skin problems and will help you keep your house clean.
Owning a dog can be a great thing. Still, most owners don’t know exactly what to do to help their pet remain happy and healthy. The advice here will prove to be a good resource for many years.
