Owning a dog is not easy, and it should not be taken lightly. It’s like a baby, only they never really grow up. While it is a tough job, it is possible to succeed by using smarts and patience. You should read the following article to get a better idea of what owning a dog means.
Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. This teaches dogs bad habits. Feeding table scraps to your dog could lead to digestive problems or obesity. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.
Talk to the vet about which foods you should avoid giving the dog. Sometimes you’ll find that a puppy can’t eat certain brands of foods because it will make their stomach upset. Be safe when taking care of your dog.
Choose a dog in that can easily and happily blend into your lifestyle. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. Likewise if you spend quite a lot of time at home you may want to get a dog that likes to be pampered a lot. When you find the perfect match, you’ll both be happier!
Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it’s food down, with lots of praise and attention. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. Your dog will soon understand that good behavior is rewarded with praise.
If your dog must be outside, build him a house. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Protect your dog from wind and precipitation by giving him a shelter that has a dry floor and plenty of space.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. When you brush the coat, oils from the skin are distributed throughout, and this is makes the coat soft and silky.
If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet right away. They may be carrying some sort of illness that they picked up at the shelter. It’s crucial that your pet has all necessary shots before it’s brought into your house.
When you get a new dog, schedule a visit with a vet. This should be done as soon as he is adopted. The vet is going to check over your dog to see if everything is okay, as well as set it up to get vaccinations it may need. You should also have your dog neutered or spayed to cut down on pet overpopulation.
Trimming around the paws of your dog will ensure your dog’s fur doesn’t get matted. You should use a comb to straighten out the hair a bit before trying to trim it. If you’re too scared, take him to the groomer instead.
You might find a pure breed dog at the pound. Unfortunately there are many people out there who simply cannot care for their dogs anymore and they end up at the local pound. Contact the pound in your area to see what kinds of breeds they have at the time. This action could also help to save the life of a dog!
Watch if your female dog is in heat if you do not want her pregnant. Male dogs can smell her scent from up to five miles. There can be numerous problems, such as causing conflicts with neighbor’s dogs, and getting impregnated with puppies that you don’t know a lot about.
Stay politically active for the sake of your dog. Keep your eye on potentially-restrictive legislation regarding dogs. Frequently, this sort of thing is just a knee-jerk reaction based on an isolated incident. Speak for dog owners that are responsible by talking to your local officials.
Remember the expression “Too many cooks spoil the soup” when training your dog. Be sure that each person working with the dog uses the same commands and responses. Assign a person to do the training and then have others fortify what he learns by following the same guidelines and respecting the procedure.
You dog should go to the vet on a regular basis. Dogs need to go to the vet for a check-up, but also to check for heartworm and to ensure they have all their shots. If your dog is younger, make sure that you go to the vet often. You will also need to see a vet right away if your dog starts showing signs of illness or injury.
If your pet slips up and uses the bathroom in your home, be sure to remove every trace of the mess. Use a cleaner that gets rid of smells. If any scent remains, the dog might soil the area over and over.
When the weather heats up, start checking your pet for ticks and fleas daily. Use a type of flea comb to get rid of fleas you see. Fleas or ticks can be destroyed through numerous products on the market. Ask your vet what they recommend.
Have your current dog choose your new dog. Dogs are very social by nature, but some get along better than others. If you can find compatible dogs, it will save you a lot of trouble and anguish.
Dogs do not necessarily need vitamin supplements like humans. Your dog doesn’t need a vitamin supplement if he is eating a well-balanced diet. If you give your dog too many vitamins, joints, bones or blood vessels could be damaged. Speak with the vet before giving your dog any vitamins.
Taking proper care of your dog should be taken seriously. You dog’s health and happiness depend on your care in exactly the same way as the health and happiness of a child. It can be a huge undertaking but something that can be easily accomplished by just about anyone. This article can help you take better care of a dog.
