Caring for dogs is a huge amount of work. It’s similar to caring for a small child that barks. A big task, but it’s totally worth the effort. Want some advice? Read on.
It takes quite a bit of money to take good care of a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
Dog-proof your home. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe. Do not have any pills out in the open and put all supplies in cabinets. Some indoor plants are poisonous, so put them high up.
It’s good to give hugs, but avoid giving kisses. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. That tidbit of information is plain wrong.
Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Your dog can’t speak to tell you he’s in pain. Annual checkups can catch issues before they develop into something serious.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine’s non-verbal language. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn’t attempt to force its interaction with them. This could lead to the other dog or person getting bit. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.
Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. Joggers should get a high energy dog, for example. Similarly, if you’re quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.
Schedule a veterinary checkup for your new dog. As soon as you bring your new dog home, make an appointment with your vet. The vet will provide a full health check and create a vaccination schedule. Consider having your pup spayed or neutered as there is already an overpopulation problem.
Dog ownership is not a decision that should be made on a whim. An animal is just like any other member of the family, and it needs to be taken care of so it can survive. Although it takes work, you can handle it. Use the tips from this article to take good care of your dog and get help from your veterinarian if you need to.