Are you interested in rescuing a dog from a shelter? Or are you want to get a puppy from a professional breeder? No matter your reasoning for getting a dog, your dog is going to bring you plenty of love and happiness. You are also taking on a big responsibility, so read on to find out how to get it done.
It can cost a lot of money to own a dog. Pet health insurance can help; although you will pay a monthly or yearly fee, depending on the circumstances.
While you can hug your dog, refrain from kissing him. Dogs go through garbage cans, dine on garbage, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. It is an old wives’ tale that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner mouth than a person. This statement is most definitely not in the least bit true.
If there are prescription and other medications within your home, make sure your dog cannot access it. Call the vet as soon as possible if your dog has swallowed the medication.
Ask your vet about how much food your dog should get every day. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Speak with a vet to see what you should be feeding your dog.
Don’t purchase cheap stuff when you buy dog food. Cheap brands usually are loaded with additives that can be dangerous for your dog’s health. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods you should be feeding your dog. Your dog can really benefit much more from healthier food.
Schedule a visit for your new dog. The veterinarian will set the dog up with the proper vaccinations and create a vaccination schedule. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog neutered or spayed to cut down on pet overpopulation.
Your dog should not be left outside for the yard by himself for the entire day. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with their owners.Your dog may be lonely if it is left outside by itself. In addition, during snowstorms and rainstorms, your dog needs to come inside in order to ensure its protection.
A lot of dog owners leave their dogs to the pound when they can no longer keep their dog anymore. Just call to your local pound to find out what breeds they have available. You may even save a poor dog’s life in the process.
If you have just one dog and he seems pretty lonely when you are gone, consider buying a second dog. Dogs are pack animals by their very nature and enjoy the company of other dogs. Match them up carefully by energy levels and your dog should be in canine heaven!
Check your dog for ticks and fleas every day when the weather gets warmer outside. You can get a flea comb to expel any fleas. There are many products out there that can assist you control your dog’s ticks and fleas. Talk to your vet regarding these products should be used.
Are you aware that vitamins can be dangerous? Your dog should not need a vitamin supplement if he is eating a well-balanced diet.Too many of some vitamins can damage joints, particularly the bones, and blood vessels. Speak with the vet before starting your dog’s vitamin regimen.
It is easy to want a dog, but it is hard to be a responsible dog owner.
Positive reinforcement is the best tool when training a dog. Rewards and praise make your pet learn faster than violence and dominance. Humane treatment during training is much more effective and works better for your dog over time. Be nice and enjoy great results.
When you start training your dog, try different reward methods. You need to figure out what motivates your dog to do well. If they are food-driven, reward it with tiny hot dog pieces. If your dog prefers toys, play a little tug o’ war with your puppy if you wish. Some dogs just like to get petted and rubbed by doing this.
Be very firm person towards your pet. Dog owners sometimes think that it is no big deal to sneak foods to their pets or destroy a toy. This is very cute dog! However, if you’re firm, you will not have any accidents. For instance, you may give your dog your food when eating, but it may cause the dog to feel entitled to the full plate.
It may look cute when your puppy chews on your slipper, but once that same puppy is full grown he can cause some serious damage to your things. You must do these things early on. When you see a puppy doing something “bad”, stop it from doing what it’s doing right away. This can save you the road.
You should now know what taking care of a dog entails, so get ready to take that purebred or mutt home! Keep learning new ideas about caring for your dogs online. Think about getting involved with an online forum to discuss dogs with other owners. Educating yourself is something you continue to do for life, so now is not the time to stop!
