These days, there are all kinds of pets available. You could bring home a bird or a lizard, a gerbil or a cat. If what you’re looking for is unconditional love, though, there’s no better bet than getting a dog. In this article we will share some great information about the best in dog care.
It can cost a lot to take care of a dog. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. One huge expense you might encounter is emergency vet care, so you may want to think about getting health insurance for your pet.
Dog-proof your home. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe. Hide cleaning supplies and medicines and hide trashcans in a cabinet. Some common house plants that are toxic to pets should be removed from your home.
Spay or neuter your dog. Research shows that doing this can make your animal live longer and reduce their cancer risks. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.
Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. 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. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.
If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. Remember that dogs exposed to cold and damp or excessive heat are far more likely to become ill. Give your dog a shelter that is spacious and dry, and your dog will be protected from the hard winds and dampness.
If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet right away. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. You need to ensure your dog gets their shots.
Do not buy cheap food items for your dog in an effort to save money. It is best to invest in quality dog food. You’ll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.
Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. A lot of shelters that take in homeless or abused animals have a way to let you adopt them for a while. Become a foster parent to test the waters.
When giving your dog medication or special treatment, follow vet instructions closely. He may want out of that cone immediately, but he needs to keep wearing it! Any thing that your vet tells you to do should be done to ensure a healthy dog.
If you are interested in adopting a pure breed, consider visiting the dog pound. There are people who drop off pets for many different reasons, such as moving abroad or the death of an owner. Contact your pound and ask them what breeds are currently there. This might save your dog’s life.
If you do not want your female dog to become pregnant, be careful with her when she goes into heat. Male dogs can tell your dog is in heat when they are five miles away. This can lead to aggression among other males, and you certainly don’t want to be left with an unexpected litter of pups.
Tag your dog with proper identification to make sure that you can bring him home if he is lost. A breakaway collar that includes an ID tag will ensure the return of your dog if they should wander. This tag should include your contact information and your dog’s name. You may also consider having a micro-chip implanted.
Make sure you make and keep yearly vet appointments for your dog. Your vet can detect any health problems before they are too serious. Yearly physical exams can save money down the line and save the dog from suffering unnecessarily.
Schedule a visit to the vet for your dog on a regular basis. He should visit once a year for tests, weighing and vaccinations. Puppies need to go to the vet more often then adult dogs. Plus, you need to take immediate vet action if the dog shows any signs of injury or illness.
Remain firm. Dog owners sometimes think that it is alright to occasionally let their dog have table scraps or destroy a toy. This is particularly the case when the dog is very cute! Do not give in or you will only confuse the dog and end up with more problems. In this way, your dog will always know what to expect, and you will not be surprised by unacceptable behaviors.
If you want a well disciplined dog, consider sending the pet to a training program. A well-trained dog who responds properly to commands is a happy dog. You will be happier with him, too. While training a puppy is usually easier, it is far from impossible to train an older dog that you might acquire.
Carefully consider your dog’s diet. Some foods are better than others, and the cost shouldn’t be your deciding factor. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best dog food, taking into account your pet’s health, age and breed. This is a great way to make sure your dog lives for a long time.
Puppies chewing on things is cute, but not appropriate behavior. It’s critical to stop bad habits right away. If your pup is doing something bad, make him stop immediately. This can save you from a lot of grief down the road.
This article has primed you for bringing home a new dog. Take the time to continue reading and learning about the wonderful world of dogs. It is important to be the best dog owner you can if you decide to adopt a pet.