Dogs can be a tremendous source of joy in anyone’s life, provided proper care methods are observed. You need to know what your dog wants to make sure they are happy. Continue on to gain some valuable insights on the best way to take of your friendly companion.
Your dog needs an annual physical exam from the vet, just as you need one from your doctor. Since your dog doesn’t talk, you may have difficulty figuring out if a tooth starts hurting or where arthritis is developing. Taking your dog for a yearly checkup allows relatively minor problems to be detected before they turn into major issues.
If you are going to taking your dog on vacation, take a pic of him on your phone. If they’re separated from you, then you’ll have a current photo that you can easily access and show others or to download for “lost” flyers.
Choose the correct flea medicine for your dog. Several have cancer causing ingredients, and they can be especially harmful to young children. Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.
If your dog displays a good behavior, praise it or reward it with a treat. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. Your dog is looking for ways to please you, and giving him your praise lets him know he has done just that.
Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is completely healthy and improves the teeth, and therefore is preferable to animal bones.
Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. Exercise keeps your dog healthy, both physically and mentally. No matter what you do, whether it’s going for a long walk or simply throwing a ball or stick, both you and your dog will benefit. Not only will your canine buddy get the stimulation required for staying healthy, the two of you will bond much more closely.
You should carefully trim the hair near the paws to avoid matted hair. You should use a comb to straighten out the hair a bit before trying to trim it. If this scares you, have a professional do it.
If you have a dog that can’t function properly when they aren’t around you and develops separation anxiety, try putting on some soft music when you go out. This will help him feel more secure and provide him with a little company. It could be the right trick to help relieve your dog’s anxiety.
You need to make sure if your female dog is not fixed and is in heat that she doesn’t come into contact with a male dog so she does not get pregnant. A male is able to smell her from as much as five miles in the distance! This causes fights as well as sexual behavior.
When the weather gets warm, start checking your dog for ticks and fleas. Use a flea comb on your dog’s fur. There are a lot of products that can assist you with fleas and ticks. Speak with your veterinarian about various flea and tick remedies.
Choose the food your dog eats very carefully. There are plenty of options, and you should find what best matches your dog’s age, weight and other characteristics. Ask your vet for advice.
Train your dog using positive reinforcement. Using praise and rewards helps your dog learn quicker than other ways, such as dominance or violence. Humane treatment during training is much more effective and much better for your dog over time. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.
When it is hot outside, do everything necessary to keep your dog safe. It does not take much for dogs to become overheated. Make sure your dog has a cool and shaded area during the summer. Make sure your dog has access to clean and cool water. Also, the sun’s rays can affect your dog, so ask his vet about sunscreens that are made for dogs.
Change your dog’s bowls daily. Your dog has no interest in dining from dirty bowls, nor would you. Wash them every day, and keep the food and water fresh.
Training your dog through crate training can be effective if you’re unable to watch your dog all day. Doing so can prevent unwanted damage to household items, as well as help your puppy not go to the bathroom inside.
Think about where your dog will be sleeping before you bring him or her home. Putting the puppy in your bed if you intend to eventually crate him at night will lead to problems down the road. If you allow the dog in bed, be certain you are always going to be okay with that.
Your vet can give great advice about appropriate dog food for your canine friend. Your dog might have medical needs that require a special diet. Feeding the right food could help alleviate his symptoms, or prevent things from getting worse. Your veterinarian can recommend the best diet plan.
Don’t leave the dog alone for extended lengths of time. You can go to work, but come home to see him before going out again. Leaving a TV or radio on can help him feel a bit better. A pet sitter can also be great for the dogs that are going to be home alone for a while.
Don’t overfeed your dog. Dogs need to consume a specific amount of food every day. Also, your dog will be overweight if you do this consistently. A fat dog might get sicker easier than one that is not. Speak with the vet about the right food and amount of it that your dog should get.
Dogs have the potential to bring unrivaled joy to anyone’s life. If you want to own a dog, you need to understand what it takes to do it right. Hopefully, this article has given you the information to help you with taking care of your furry best friend.
