Are you thinking of becoming a dog owner? Do you already have a dog? The following advice will be of help if your answer was yes to these questions. You will read a lot of information which will make having a dog a great experience.
It is important to puppy-proof your home. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Put all medication and cleaning supplies away, and keep your indoor trash can inside a cabinet. 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.
Talk to your vet about appropriate nutrition for your canine. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.
Don’t leave your dog outside all day long. Many people do this, but dogs need interactions with others. Dogs become lonely. Also, they could be bitten by ticks, hurt by other animals or even abducted.
Some dogs are more likely to have certain health issues, so you need to know what is expected for your dog. Research the kind of dog you have and see if there are any preventative measures you can take. You can also speak with your vet about any precautionary measures you can take to help your dog avoid the problems associated with his breed.
Pure Bred
If you’re thinking about getting a dog that is pure bred, keep the local pound in mind. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it. Contact your pound and ask them what breeds are currently there. This action could also help to save the life of a dog!
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, or you simply want to be extra nice to him, leave some music on when you go to work. The sound will help him feel more secure and not as alone. This could be the perfect fix to keep him calm until you return.
If your dog spends a lot of time alone, think seriously about adding a second animal to your family. Because dogs typically run in packs, they typically love being around other canines. Match them carefully based on energy levels and temperament.
Your dog needs to have mental stimulation as well as ways to become physically active too. Train him to do fun things like retrieve a ball. The training will challenge him mentally and the affection you show for a job well done will bond him to the family routine.
Dogs will commonly get cut when they’re walking because of the various debris on the ground. Clean any small cuts on your dog with antiseptic, and bandage the area. If the cut seems deep, have a vet check it out.
You must carefully think for a while before getting a dog. There is a lot involved and it’s too simple to fall for a cute puppy’s face. Carefully consider the expense, the commitment of time and all the other important aspects of dog care before taking the plunge.
Vitamins are not necessarily a good thing for your dog. Your dog should not need vitamins in addition to eating right. Excessive amounts of some vitamins can harm the bones, joints and blood vessels. Before giving your dog vitamins, speak with your vet.
Outdoor dogs need the same amount of attention as indoor dogs. Your dog could develop bad habits such as chewing or barking if it is alone all the time. He may also become a little aggressive. Provide them lots of playtime and love to maintain their happiness.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on what your dog is eating throughout its life. Foods that are high in calories are great for growing puppies. However, when these same foods are eaten during adulthood, they could cause extreme weight gain, which can cause damage to your dog’s health.
Remain firm. Dog owners often feel that it is no big deal to sneak foods to their pets or allow them to destroy certain toys. Don’t let that cute face fool you. But, remaining firm makes it less likely that accidents will occur. For example, you might not care that your dog begs for food from time to time, but eventually that dog will think it can just jump on the table and start eating whatever is on it.
Crate Training
When you go out to work or to school, crate training is your best bet. Crate training will help toilet train your dog and protect your home and belongings from potential destruction.
Regardless of your schedule, you should find time to walk your dog every day. Not only do dogs need to exercise, but it also allows your pet to become mentally stimulated by interacting with various things. This is very imperative for your dog’s health.
Stick to the rules. Even if your circumstances alter temporarily, your dog’s patterns should remain consistent. This is unfair to the dog, as he won’t know why he can’t continue the behavior. Never bend the rules.
If you notice diarrhea in your dog for several days, immediately take it to the vet’s office. Sometimes a dog will eat something that isn’t good for them that causes them to get the runs. If it lasts longer, there may be a big issues, so get them checked out even though it costs some money.
Make good use of the tips you just read. If you haven’t, take a moment and read them again. You will be happy when you know how to fix the problem. These tips can help you establish a good repoitre with your dog.