Dogs need more than a bowl of food and a scratch behind the ears. You need to care for your dog 24/7. But do you know how to care for your dog? In this article, we provide ample advice culled from some of the best sources in dog training. Read on to learn more.
While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. A dog has a very filthy mouth. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. It is folk wisdom that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a humans. That tidbit of information is plain wrong.
Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. If you notice the dog being hesitant in a new situation, don’t force your dog to socialize if it doesn’t want to. This could cause your dog to get scared and to bite. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.
Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Genuine bones can chip, and the pieces may become stuck in your dog’s teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is great for oral health, so don’t give Rover any of your T-bone, regardless of how much you know he wants it.
Stop trying to force your dog to do things. If you got them a treat and they aren’t interested in it, don’t make them eat it. It’s important to take your pets likes and dislikes into consideration and to not push them into anything unnecessary.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. It’ll also give them a very beautiful and shiny coat. The reason for this is that brushing distributes a dog’s oils from its skin so it looks soft and shiny.
Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. If they begin to curl under, you dog could experience quite a bit of pain. You can do this yourself using a pair of dog clippers from the pet store. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.
If you are going to get a dog from the shelter, make a appointment with the vet. Illness is common in shelters, and your new pet could be at risk or already nursing an ailment. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.
The cheapest dog food may not always be the best buy when considering what food to feed your dog. It is important that your dog get nutrient dense, good quality food. Quality brands are more expensive but they will significantly increase the life expectancy of your dog.
It is not uncommon for dogs to get cuts on their paws from stepping on pieces of glass and debris. Wash the cut with antibacterial soap, dry it thoroughly, and leave it to air dry unless it is bleeding or the dog is licking it. If the cut is deep, it is best to go to a veterinarian.
If you’re adding a second dog to your home, try to let your first dog meet the second before bringing it home. Dogs can be quite social, but some are more effective at socializing than others. If you find two dogs that can get along, you’ll save yourself some trouble.
You may think it’s okay to share your own snacks with your dog. Be careful, because some foods are harmful to dogs. Do not give dogs any chocolate or caffeine, as these foods are detrimental to their health. These foods can cause health problems in your dog.
Think over what you have to do every day, including vacations and anything else before you get yourself a pet. Wanting a dog is easy, but it is not always easy to deal with responsibilities of dog ownership.
By learning more about caring for your dog, you can give him the love and attention he deserves. Treating your dog with love and care is what you have to do. Doesn’t it stand to reason that your dog craves responsible care from you as well as love and affection?