Are you interested in rescuing a dog from the local pound? Or are you interested in buying from a breeder? Any dog will enrich your life, whether it is a plain old mixed breed or comes with a fancy pedigree. However, you need to be prepared for the responsibilities involved in owning a dog, so use these ideas to get started.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. Dog kisses are cute, in theory, but understand a dog’s mouth is typically very dirty. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. It is an old wives’ tale that dogs have cleaner months than humans. This is simply false.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. Obviously, dogs don’t speak, so it can be hard to figure out when they’re having problems with their bones or teeth. An annual vet visit can help you find problems early.
Dogs don’t talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. If your pet hesitates when approaching a person or a pet, don’t push them to go near them. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Watch your dog and be aware of his actions.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. This ensures that, should he get lost, you have a current photo, ready for showing around or being used in flyers.
Watch out for dog flea treatments. Many contain ingredients that are dangerous to children. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, and see if he has more holistic treatment options that might help to keep your pet free from fleas and your family safe.
Do not feed your dog “people food”. Feeding a dog from the table only reinforces begging. The dog will also be less likely to eat its normal food. In fact, a steady supply of scraps may encourage your dog to gain unhealthy amounts of weight and set off serious digestive problems. If you spend the time to train your dog to spend mealtimes well removed from the table, there won’t be any scrap-feeding temptations to worry about.
Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. For instance, if you are athletic, you might want an active dog, not a poodle. If you are a homebody, a small dog that lounges around a lot is a good fit. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.
The cheapest dog food may not always be the best buy when considering what food to feed your dog. Over the course of the dogs life he will be much healthier if you stick to high quality food with plenty of nutritional value. Even though you are paying more, it will save on health bills down the road.
The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you’d probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they’re doing.
Certain dog breeds are susceptible to some health problems, so make sure you know what is typical for the breed of dog you have. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Also, seek advice from your vet.
If you’re the owner of a lone, lonely dog, you should consider getting a second pooch. Dog’s love the companionship of others and enjoy another partner to play with. Make sure that you match the dogs up by their personality types.
Have your pet checked out by your vet on a regular basis. Dogs need to be checked for heartworm and other health issues, and need to have any and all necessary vaccinations. With a puppy, you will need to visit your vet a little more often. When your dog seems to be sick or injured in any way, it is time to go to the vet.
If you are looking for a new dog, bring your current pup to check him out. While dogs are naturally social, some find it easier to get along with newcomers than others. Compatible dogs are always your best bet.
If you’re having a snack, you may feel like it would be okay to give your dog a bite. This is true of some snacks, but not of others. Chocolate and other highly caffeinated treats, as well as grapes, are examples of poor treat choices that shouldn’t be shared with your pet. These food can have harmful effects on your pup’s health.
You are now aware of what your dog needs to stay healthy, so ensure you’re fully stocked when it arrives at your home! Keep reading to find out more. Think about joining online forums to talk about dogs with other dog owners. Educating yourself is something you continue to do for life, so now is not the time to stop!
