Dogs are excellent pets for the whole family but they can also be a lot of work. The secret to keeping your dog in good spirits and good health is to educate yourself about what your pet needs. Read on to find some helpful tips for creating a great relationship with your dog.
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. You need to pay for high quality food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. One huge expense you might encounter is emergency vet care, so you may want to think about getting health insurance for your pet.
Consider the situation before allowing a dog to kiss your face. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. Dogs root around in garbage pails, drink enthusiastically from the toilet bowl and love to lick and smell certain body parts of other dogs. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. However, this simply is not the case.
In the same way that a yearly physical is helpful to you, a yearly trip to the veterinarian is a must for your dog. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.
Table Scraps
You should never give table scraps to your dog. This teaches dogs bad habits. Overfeeding him will lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, too. Train your dog to sit far away from your dining room so that you and your family won’t be tempted to feed it table scraps.
Dog training should be take place out in the yard, or even inside your home. Training a dog in a very populated area is never a good idea. They are going to become distracted, and the easiest commands can be tough.
Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, instead of a toy breed that cannot. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. If they start to curl, your dog may feel a lot of pain. You can trim them yourself with a pair of store bought clippers. If you don’t feel comfortable trimming them yourself, a groomer can do it for little money.
If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already. You should also get your dog all of his shots before bringing him into your home.
Dogs are wonderful companions, and they bring joy to families everywhere. Although one must be knowledgeable and understand what it takes to sufficiently care for the pet so they are happy and healthy. This article has told you what you need to know, so start using the advice you’ve read today.
