Growing up with a pet is not the same thing as being the adult responsible for it. Even if you’ve always had a dog, there is something new to learn. This article helps you to fine tune your skills as a dog owner.
Dog-proof your home. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the whole area is safe. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Dogs can’t talk, so how do you know he has arthritis, for example? A yearly checkup will help you find any problems before they become huge issues.
Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. On the other hand, if you are the type of person to sit at home, you need a smaller breed that will enjoy lounging around with you. You and your dog will both be happier if you are a perfect match.
Meat Bones
Give your dog rawhide instead of real meat bones. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.
Take time and correct bad behavior when you first see it. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. Neglecting your dog’s behavior can lead to injuries.
If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
You may need to trim hair that grows near the dog’s paws to help keep it from matting. Use a comb first, then start cutting. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
Certain dog breeds are prone to specific health issues, so be aware of what is typical for your dog’s breed. Research the breed of your dog and take steps to ensure he does not get any infections or diseases. Talk to the vet to find out what you are able to do to assist your dog in beating the prognoses of his breed.
Prove to your canine friend that your love for him is true. As it usually happens, many times owners focus more on bad behavior rather than good ones. If that persists, your dog may begin to act inappropriately to get your attention. Rather, be sure to give praise five times more frequently than you reprimand. Your dog is going to behave much more if you do that.
If your dog seems sad and lonely, consider investing in a friend for him. Because dogs typically run in packs, they typically love being around other canines. You need to match like-tempered dogs together.
Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you know what it takes to take care of your dog. Apply what you’ve learned, and you can’t go wrong. Take time to re-read this advice if anything remains unclear.
