Dogs are a good pet to have, they are very loyal. However, a new dog needs to be trained as soon as you adopt it. If you own a dog, it is essential that you teach your dog proper behaviors and properly care for them. The following article will make you more educated on dogs.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. In addition, dogs that are spayed or neutered do not have as strong of a desire to wander from their home, meaning that they are less likely to get lost or hit by a car.
If you take your dog with you on vacation, keep a photo of him on your phone. This way, should he get lost, you have a picture you can show others. You can also use the picture to hand our “lost” flyers.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. If your dog eats your medication, see a vet right away.
Flea Treatments
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Discuss family-friendly alternative flea treatments with your vet. Be sure to store all flea treatments out of the reach of children.
Always have your dog on a leash when he’s off your property. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. You are responsible if your dog does this.
It can be really helpful to incorporate hand signals with verbal commands when first training your dog. Your dog may pick things up much easier when they are given these type of signals. Every pet is different though, so use a combination of both verbal and visual cues and then determine what works the best.
Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. A lot of the time a dog might not want to eat some brands of dog food, this might make them sick. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.
Talk to your vet about how much your dog should eat. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. Therefore, ask your vet the acceptable amount of dog food your dog needs to ensure its health and well-being.
If your dog needs to be outside during cold months, buy him a house or build him one. Remember that dogs exposed to cold and damp or excessive heat are far more likely to become ill. Make certain your dog house has a good floor that keeps your dog up off the ground and dry.
Adequate exercise is an important consideration for dog owners. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Get out and do something with your dog. Go for a walk or play fetch. This doesn’t just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.
It does not take a science degree to look after a dog. It is important to use the techniques that you learned in the above article. Use other quality resources, and talk to your vet if you need help with your dog.