Are you considering adopting a homeless pup from the shelter? Or perhaps you are interested in purchasing a puppy from a professional breeder? No matter if your dog is a puppy, show dog, or a old mutt, you need to make sure they are loved. You are also taking on a big responsibility, and the article below has the information you need to care for your dog.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! It’s just a myth that your dog’s mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Table Scraps
Do not fall prey to the temptation to feed table scraps to your dog. That encourages him to beg and makes him not want his own food. Table scraps can negatively affect the dog’s health and cause digestive issues or obesity. Don’t allow your dog to beg at the table while you are eating.
Your vet can give you some good advice on what you should feed your dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Therefore, ensure you are cautious whenever providing your dog a new food.
If you are not sure of how much to feed your dog each day, talk to your vet about it. 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. Speak with a vet about your dog’s needs and what they should have.
If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet right away. Animals from shelters sometimes have viruses or might have already been sick when taken in by the shelter. Your puppy needs to get a few shots before you can safely bring it home.
Do not buy cheap food items for your dog in an effort to save money. In the long term, it’s crucial to feed healthy, high-quality food to your dog. 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.
Get your new pet a veterinary exam. This should be done as soon as he is adopted. The vet will check him over and prepare him for vaccinations. Also, be sure to speak to the veterinarian about neutering or spaying your dog. There are plenty of dogs already in the shelter, and you don’t want to increase that problem.
If your vet has given you medication or special instructions for your dog, make sure that you follow them. He may not like wearing a cone over his head, but it’s prescribed for a reason! It is always best to follow the recommendations shared by your veterinarian.
If you are in the market for a pedigree pup, you just may find him at the pound. People who aren’t fully committed to dog ownership often abandon their animals at the pound. Just give a quick call to your local humane society to see what breeds they may have available. When you adopt a dog, you save its life.
Leaving a radio playing while you are gone will help your dog stay calm and may alleviate separation anxiety. This will help him feel more secure and provide him with a little company. It might help with any anxiety issues.
Take care any time a female dog is in heat, as you likely do not want her to become pregnant. A male can pick up on her scent from as far as five miles away! This can cause dogs to fight over her, and she may get pregnant by a dog you are unfamiliar with.
Keep vet appointments for your dog. The vet can spot things like thyroid problems, kidney issues and diabetes way before you detect it. Yearly physical exams can save money down the line and save the dog from suffering unnecessarily.
Dogs will commonly get cut when they’re walking because of the various debris on the ground. If your dog suffers from a little cut, it should be washed with some form of antiseptic and the bandaged. If it is a very deep cut, you should take him to a vet.
The temperature of your dog’s nose is not a good indicator of its health. Even a sick dog can have a cold, wet nose. Pay attention to the amount of energy, type of appetite and the dog’s demeanor. These are all good ways to gauge how well your pet is doing. Check a dog’s temperature rectally.
Just because you have an outside dog, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t require the same attention as a dog that’s inside. The dog could get bad habits still such as chewing, digging, or even barking if you don’t pay attention to it. It can also lead to aggression. Your dog needs lots of play and love to ensure his happiness.
Now, you are aware of what you have to do to take proper care of your dog. All that is left is to bring your dog home! Don’t quit trying to learn new tips and advice. Look for a forum to join to share your experiences with other dog owners. Learning takes a lifetime, so don’t stop!
