Growing up with a pet is not the same thing as being the adult responsible for it. If you are someone who now owns a dog or may be considering getting one, there are some things you should know. The tips provided in this article will help you care and enjoy your dog for years to come.
Always neuter or spay your pet. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. Dogs who have been neutered or spayed are also less likely to run or wander away from home.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine's non-verbal language. Hesitant dogs need to be taken out of fearful situations. This may lead to someone getting bitten. You need to keep your eyes open for these signs.
If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. If you notice that your dog has consumed any of your medication, you need to immediately contact your vet.
Don't buy cheap dog food. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods that are recommended by professionals. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.
Don't give your dog real bones. Real animal bones can chip and pose a danger to your dog's digestive tract and mouth. Rawhide is much safer and also cleans teeth.
Makes sure your dog gets adequate exercise. Exercise and play are necessary for a dog. They keep the dog fit and healthy, both physically and mentally. Whether you decide to take the dog for a walk or if you're just playing fetch, it will benefit both of you. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
If you're thinking about getting a dog, but aren't sure you want to make the commitment, try serving as a foster home. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. You can give a hand by fostering a dog without a home and try on the role of dog owner too!
Listen to your vet when he tells you how to administer medication or care. He may want out of that cone immediately, but he needs to keep wearing it! Your vet recommendations should be taken seriously for the betterment of your dog's health.
Even if you seek a pure bred animal, you should not overlook the pound. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can't look after their dog anymore. Paying a trip to your local shelter might help you to find the exact dog you have been searching for. You may even save a poor dog's life.
Help your dog to stay active mentally and help him to exercise enough. Find ways for your dog to help you each day, such as training it to fetch the morning paper. Your dog is always going to feel like it's a part of your family while getting trained so that it's mentally fit.
Identification will be great in the event that your dog gets away from you. A common way to find a lost dog is to ensure it has a collar with an ID tag. Include your dog's name and information on how to contact you. You can also have your dog micro-chipped.
Spend some time deciding which brand and type of dog food to give your pet. There are many kinds of foods you can pick, but the one you choose should fit with your dog's size and age. While feeding your dog leftover food saves you money, it doesn't make for a healthy diet.
If you already have a dog at home, take your existing dog to meet the potential new one. Just like people, dogs can have a personality clash. Finding a dog that gets along well with your current pet will be best for everyone in the long run.
Don't be afraid to be stern when disciplining your dog for bad behavior. Often, dog owners think it's fine to sneak some food to them or let them tear apart a toy. If a dog is very cute, it will often be spoiled in this manner. However, there will be no accidents if you act firmly. For instance, you might not mind offering your dog your scraps when finished, but this can lead to your dog thinking it's fine to jump and grab the whole steak from your plate!
Wash your dog's water and food bowls regularly. This will keep your dog clean and sanitary. You need to wash the bowls on a daily basis.
Don't have high expectations with your dog. Your dog is not going to have the same attention span. Try training your pet little by little. Don't try to teach it too many things all at once, and be patient. This will help you to be sure that your dog doesn't associate training with being punished.
Your dog should stay clean just like you! Although your dog doesn't need to be cleaned as frequently as you would, you should try to bathe your pup every week. This can keep his skin healthy and your home clean.
When you get a new puppy for your family, one of the best things you can do for the dog is to socialize it with other dogs as soon as possible. Great ways to get your dog socialized include taking him to the local dog park and to the grooming salon.
When your dog is whining resist the temptation to comfort him. It's extremely tempting to reassure a whining dog with cuddles and petting, but be aware that this can make an unwanted association for your dog between this particular situation and a genuine danger. Instead, play with your dog so he forgets his worries.
Having read the information above, you should now possess a solid understanding of dog care. Apply what you've learned, and you can't go wrong. Read carefully and talk to your vet should you have some questions.
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