Having a dog is not really very easy. You will need to give them the right foods, take them out and care for them daily. How can one get ready for all of the challenges? Well, all you really have to do is read over this article to get some facts that will help you to care for your dog properly.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog’s mouth is extremely dirty. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. It simply is not the case.
Neuter or spay your dog. This reduces the chances of cancer and helps keep the stray animal population down. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.
Dog training should take place on your property. It’s never good to try and train your pet when there are quite a few people around. Distractions occur, making it difficult to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Talk with your vet about the foods you should feed your dog. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Be careful when it comes to what you feed your pet.
If you’re trying to figure out what type of dog you might want to get, take a look at your lifestyle. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. 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. Getting a dog that matches your lifestyle will make you both more happy.
Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. It teaches your pup that he will be rewarded for good behavior.
If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. While some people follow the direction on the back of the dog food packaging, they are sometimes incorrect and may make your dog overweight. Ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure which brands are best for your dog or need help with quantities.
A daily brush does a lot more than just prevent shedding. Regular brushing encourages a healthy, shining coat. This is mainly due to the fact that brushing allows the oils in the skin to be distributed evenly. That keeps the skin soft, shiny, and healthy.
Keep the nails on your dog trimmed. If they start curling under, your dog may experience a lot of pain. You can use store bought clippers to trim them yourself. If you are worried about doing this, simply take him to a groomer – it doesn’t cost very much to get his nails trimmed.
Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it’s just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. You will thus offer necessary exercise, but will also build strong bonds with the animal.
When it comes to buying food for your dog, don’t skimp by buying the cheap stuff. It is important that your dog get nutrient dense, good quality food. Although it will cost you more, you can feel good about the fact that you aren’t skimping when it comes to what your pet eats.
Schedule a veterinary checkup for your new dog. Once the dog arrive home, place a call to the vet and schedule that appointment. The veterinarian will set the dog up with the proper vaccinations and give it a routine health checkup. Set up an appointment to have your dog fixed, too.
If separation anxiety plagues your dog, or you want your dog to feel less lonely, play some music while you are at work. The noise make them feel more secure and keeps them company. It can help his anxiety as he waits for your return.
Keep dogs mentally active by giving them many opportunities for physical exercise. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. Your dog is always going to feel like it’s a part of your family while getting trained so that it’s mentally fit.
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. The vet will be able to spot signs of diabetes, thyroid issues and kidney trouble a while before your dog shows any signs. An annual physical can save your dog’s life.
It’s not that unusual for dogs to cut themselves after stepping on discarded debris or broken glass. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use antiseptic to wash it, and then put a bandage around it. If the cut seems like it’s too deep, then head off to see the vet.
Some vitamins can be bad for your dog’s health. Dog food usually meets your dog’s nutritional requirements by itself. Some vitamins cause irreversible damage. Speak to the vet before you give your dog any vitamins.
It is important to keep your dog clean. While a dog doesn’t need a daily bath, they at least need a bath once a week. This can help temper any skin problems, and it’ll keep your house much cleaner too.
Now that you know what to do, you can use these ideas every day as you care for and play with your dog. With the things you’ve learned, you’re prepared to make a fine start as a responsible dog owner. Using these suggestions, treat your dog right!