A common phrase used often is that dogs are man’s best friends. This statement holds a lot of worth based on how dogs act. If you’re prepared for a pet, you can really build a great relationship. This article has some tips to follow if you want that great relationship.
Make your home dog-proof. You need to look for hazards around your home that your dog might run into. All cleaning materials and drugs must be put away, and put your trash receptacle inside a cabinet. Keep house plants out of his reach, especially if they could be poisonous.
Just like people need regular yearly physicals, dogs need the same thing. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. Regular checkups will help you find these issues prior to them becoming a serious problem.
Always neuter or spay your pet. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It’s been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.
Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. Although some dog owners stick to the recommended guidelines on the dog food, these guidelines can often be too much for your dog, which can lead to obesity. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.
Try not to base your dog food choices on the price of the food. Cheap brands are full of fillers, preservative and even chemicals. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. This will be very helpful to your dog’s health.
Pay attention to the nails of your canine. If they start curling under, your dog may experience a lot of pain. Simply purchase a pair of clippers from the store. It is best to take your dog to the groomer if you do not want to do it yourself.
If you want to get yourself a new dog, but aren’t totally sold on the idea, you could try to get a foster pet. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Not only will you be helping a dog in need, but it will help you figure out if you would like to become a dog owner.
Let your dog know that you care. As with most things, owners tend to focus more on the bad behavior instead of the good. This can cause problems later on. You should ensure you give your dog positive reinforcement. This increases the chance that your dog will repeat the good behavior rather than the bad.
You can keep your furry friend mentally as well as physically active through plenty of exercise. You can have him fetch things like the paper, or perform other household tasks. This will help your dog to feel like he is helping you out.
Be sure that your dog has some kind of identification in case it were to escape from your home. One thing a lot of people do to be sure they get their dog back is they fit them with a collar that’s breakaway and has an ID tag. The tag should let people know what your dog’s name is along with your contact information. Another option is to have a micro-chip put on your dog.
Dogs are great companions. The more knowledge you have, the better your relationship can be. Take the tips you learned here to be the best dog owner possible. A good owner makes for a happy and healthy pet. Dog is man’s best friend, so be a best friend back to your dog.
