When cared for by a responsible and attentive owner, a dog can provide unparalleled affection and companionship. Learning about his needs is the key to your dog being healthy and happy. Keep reading for great tips on developing a good relationship with your pup.
You must dog-proof your residence. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Do not have any pills out in the open and put all supplies in cabinets. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it’s best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.
You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. Annual checkups can catch these things before they become major problems.
Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Bring up the subject of alternative and family-friendly treatments the next time you see your vet, and always be sure to apply these treatments when no children are present.
Which breed you need to buy depends on your lifestyle. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.
Avoid cheap dog food. Cheap brands usually contain ingredients that can be harmful to the health of your dog. Check with an animal advocacy group for a list of foods you should be feeding your dog. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
If your dog needs to be outside during cold months, buy him a house or build him one. This is especially important during wet weather. A roomy shelter that protects from the windy, rainy, and snowy weather is the best option.
Make sure your dog engages in sufficient amounts of exercise. This will keep his bones and muscles strong and healthy. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. This will create a great bond with your dog when performing these activities.
If you’d like to be a dog owner, but think you might not be able to handle the commitment, consider fostering dogs. There are many less than fortunate dogs in shelters that would love to find a forever home. Fostering a dog could help the cause as well as find you a new companion you cannot bring yourself to return.
Playing music in your home when you leave for your job may help your dog with separation anxiety. That noise will help your dog feel more secure, and it will help him feel he’s not alone. It might help with any anxiety issues.
Too many trainers spoil the process. Everyone has their own unique ways of training, and having multiple people trying to train a dog differently can leave it confused. Only allow one person to teach the dog things and then everyone else should learn what that person has taught the dog and stick with that.
Have your pet checked out by your vet on a regular basis. Your dog should see a vet at least twice a year to make sure they are in good health and that they do not need new shots. You will need to see a vet more often if the dog is a puppy. If your dog appears to be ill or injured, you should make a trip to the vet immediately.
Dogs bring joy to all they meet. If you want to own a dog, you need to understand what it takes to do it right. If you are lucky, the information here will help you care for your best friend.
