You have a plethora of animals choose from when you want a pet. You may choose a cat, fish, reptile, or even a rodent. If what you’re looking for is unconditional love, though, there’s no better bet than getting a dog. The following article will give you some great advice to help you take care of your dog.
Be sure to have your dog spayed or neutered. It is a known fact that doing this will lessen the probability of your dog getting cancer. Dogs who have been neutered or spayed are also less likely to run or wander away from home.
Your dog can not tell you what is wrong, so just listen to his body language. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn’t attempt to force its interaction with them. It could end up with someone getting bit. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
If you’re taking your dog on a trip, be sure that you have a recent picture of them on-hand. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Your dog could be seriously injured or killed by ingesting a couple of small pills. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Ask your vet what kinds of foods you should feed to your dog and what to stay away from. A lot of the time a dog might not want to eat some brands of dog food, this might make them sick. Always be cautious when you’re thinking of feeding your dog.
Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. Your vet will know how much to feed your particular dog.
Don’t force your dog to eat something. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t force him to eat it. Not all dogs like the same things.
There are more advantages to daily brushing of your dog than just keeping your home hair free. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. Brushing helps to spread the oil on the skin which results in soft, shiny, and healthy skin.
Plenty of physical activity is one of your dog’s necessities. A dog requires regular exercise and game time; it keeps him healthy and happy, both mentally and physically. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you’ll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. It will help you form a much stronger relationship.
Don’t buy cheap dog food. It is best to invest in quality dog food. While this may mean paying higher prices for a premium brand, you can be assured your dog is getting the proper nutrients from wholesome sources.
If you’d like to be a dog owner, but think you might not be able to handle the commitment, consider fostering dogs. Many homeless and abused animals are waiting in shelters for someone to adopt them and with over-crowding, resources are slim. Fostering a dog will allow you to do some charity work and see if you really want a dog!
You should carefully trim the hair near the paws to avoid matted hair. Use a comb and a small pair of scissors for this task. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
If you have just one dog who spends lots of time alone, consider getting a buddy dog. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and they like to be around other dogs. Matching a dog up with another of a similar disposition will make your dog very happy.
You can keep your furry friend mentally as well as physically active through plenty of exercise. You can even teach your dog useful tricks such as fetching the newspaper for you. This kind of play will make your dog feel like a contributing member of the family and keep his mental functioning at a high level.
Always make sure to keep your dog’s annual vet visits. The vet can spot things like thyroid problems, kidney issues and diabetes way before you detect it. An annual physical can save your dog’s life.
It is not unusual for a dog to step on sharp objects that leaves it with cuts. If your dog gets a small cut, wash it with an antiseptic and place a bandage around the area. If the cut seems like it’s too deep, then head off to see the vet.
Vitamins aren’t always good for a dog. If your dog is eating a balanced diet,do not give him additional vitamins. Excessive amounts of some vitamins can harm the bones, joints and blood vessels. If you’re going to be giving your dog vitamins, be sure to talk to your vet first.
Be sure to thoroughly and regularly clean the bowls that your dog uses. Your dog will appreciate eating out of a bowl that is clean, just as you would. Wash your dog’s bowls daily and keep them full of clean water and fresh food.
Socializing your dog with other dogs is essential when you get to bring a puppy into your home. You can do this at the groomer, a dog park, or on a group walk.
Owning a dog is a big deal, but with the help of these tips, it should be no problem for you! Just ensure you keep learning as much as you can. You’ll discover a new pastime and take better care of your furry friend.
