Caring for a dog is a lot of work and you should not underestimate the responsibilities of being a dog owner. It isn’t a task that will come naturally to you. All you have to do is keep reading here to get the best tips on how to care for your animal.
Get your dog neutered. This helps reduce the probability of cancer and extends the life of your dog. Dogs that are neutered or spayed don’t have strong urges to leave their home, reducing their chances of getting hit by a vehicle or getting lost.
Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. Keep an eye out for your dog’s hints, and do what he needs you to do.
Flea Treatments
When it comes to dog flea treatments, you should proceed with caution. They contain carcinogens proven to cause cancer in kids. Ask your vet for recommendations instead, and keep children away while you’re applying flea treatments.
Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. If you love to run, seek out a pooch that will love to run alongside you. If you much prefer to be at home, a small dog that enjoys a lot of inside time is an ideal choice. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.
Speak with a vet as soon as possible if you are adopting a dog. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. Error on the side of caution and get your dog all its shots.
Take your new dog to the vet. In fact, do it the same day as you bring the pet home so you don’t forget. Your vet will be able to give a clean bill of health, and appoint a schedule for vaccinations. Consider having your pup spayed or neutered as there is already an overpopulation problem.
If you wish to get a dog that’s a pure breed, you may have some luck with the pound. Many pure bred dogs are abandoned at dog pounds or shelters when owners aren’t able to care for them. All you have to do is give your local shelter a call, and you can find out which breeds they have. When you adopt a dog, you save its life.
If you’ve got just one dog and he doesn’t seem all that happy or is left alone a lot, think about getting him a friend. Dogs are, after all, pack animals; they usually like company that is like them. Make sure that you match the dogs up by their personality types.
Be sure that your dog has some kind of identification in case it were to escape from your home. A common method to make sure your lost dog is returned is to have them wear a breakaway collar with an identification tag. Include your dog’s name and your phone number on the tag. You may also want to install a micro-chip into your dog.
Be politically active on behalf of your pooch! Keep an eye on legislation that might regulate or restrict your rights as a dog owner. Frequently, this sort of thing is just a knee-jerk reaction based on an isolated incident. Stand up for good dog owners and let local officials know your thoughts.
Perform tick and flea inspections daily on the dog when it gets warmer out. Try to get rid of any fleas by using what is called a flea comb. The market is full of products that will assist you in keeping your pet’s fleas and ticks in check. Ask your vet what they recommend.
Were you aware of how harmful vitamins can be to your pet? If your dog is eating a balanced diet,do not give him additional vitamins. You can cause damage to your dog’s joints, bones and circulatory system with excessive vitamins. Speak with the vet before giving your dog any vitamins.
Think about how you live your life on a daily basis, as well as vacations and other events you participate in before deciding to get a dog. Wanting a dog is a piece of cake, but actually taking care of one is harder.
When you are dog training, use the technique of positive reinforcement. The promise of reward or praise will motivate your dog more quickly and pleasantly than domination or force. In addition, kind and humane treatment during training periods is healthier for your dog. Be kind and you will enjoy great results.
Take precautions for your dog during the hot summer months. It is easy for dogs to overheat. Have a cool, shaded area for your dog in the summer. Also, be sure your dog has clean, cold water. You can also get doggie sunscreen to help keep your pet out of harm’s way.
Keep track of pet food recalls. Some stores have sold food that led to the death of a beloved pet. Look online for the latest updates on recalls. They share info at a rate that’s faster than many news sites.
Don’t comfort a whining dog. Although the temptation will be great to calm the dog down, you don’t want to give him the impression that whining is OK. It is ideal to play familiar games with the dog as a means to calm anxieties.
After taking in the above article, you’ve gained some great insights into caring for dogs. Love and patience are key to a happy relationship with your dog. Continue to look up information and have fun with your canine.
