Dogs make wonderful pets. They’re loving, affectionate creatures. However, to benefit both you and your dog, it would be to your advantage to know everything you can about them. This is the article which will start you down the road to mastering dog ownership.
It costs a lot of money to own a dog. High quality dog food, medical care, toys and treats can easily run close to $1,000 in a year. Emergency vet care is very expensive, in some cases thousands of dollars, so you might want to consider purchasing pet health insurance.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. This is not in the least bit true.
When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
When it comes to dog flea treatments, you should proceed with caution. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Ask your vet for recommendations instead, and keep children away while you’re applying flea treatments.
Stop trying to force your dog to do things. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t make him eat it. Keep an eye on your dog’s likes and dislikes.
Do not buy cheap food items for your dog in an effort to save money. Your dog will be healthier and happier if you feed it the highest quality food. Quality brands are more expensive but they will significantly increase the life expectancy of your dog.
Always make sure your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. This will also help to prevent your dog from choking themselves, when trying to pull ahead.
Avoid leaving your pup outside all day. Lots of folks do this, but it’s bad because dogs need constant attention. A dog left alone outside will get very lonely. In addition, inclement weather and freezing temperatures can be dangerous for your dog.
Your vet will provide sound advice regarding medication or special needs for your pet, so ensure you pay heed to their words. The dog may hate that cone on its head, but it’s there for a very good reason! Your vet recommendations should be taken seriously for the betterment of your dog’s health.
If your pup seems lonely by itself, consider getting another dog. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and they like to be around other dogs. Match them carefully based on energy levels and temperament.
Dogs can cut their paw beds when stepping on glass, rocks or other debris. If you spot a cut on your dog’s paw, clean it using an antiseptic before bandaging the cut. If the cut continues to bleed, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.
If an accident occurs on your floor, take extra care that all traces are removed. Use a product specifically designed to clean and remove pet odors. If you still smell dog waste, the dog could be emptied to return to the scene of the crime and repeat the actions.
If you are bringing a new dog into your home, arrange a meeting between your current dog and the newcomer. Dogs are very social by nature, but some get along better than others. Compatible dogs are always your best bet.
It often feels right and natural to offer your faithful canine buddy a morsel of whatever treat you’re enjoying. Be careful, because some foods are harmful to dogs. Some foods you cannot give your dog are chocolate, grapes, or any caffeine. If your dog eats these foods, it could be detrimental to his health.
Before getting a dog make sure you have thought about your daily routing, as well as special events like vacations. Many people want dogs, but not everyone is able to handle all the hard work that comes with caring for a dog.
Although a puppy chewing on your shoes may be adorable, you won’t find this so enduring whenever it is grown and ripping your shoes apart. Such bad habits should be curtailed from the start. When you see a puppy doing something “bad”, stop it. This will ensure your dog is better behaved down the road.
When your dog whines, don’t comfort it. You may want to be reassuring to your pet but that can make your dog get even more worried when you confirm its suspicions. Play a familiar game with a dog so that they can forget about their anxiety.
Pet Sitter
If you are headed away for a short or long stay, a pet sitter could be a great option for looking after your dog. The pet sitter will come to your home, walk your friend and help make sure he gets attention and food as needed. This option keeps your dog safe and happy.
Over-feeding a dog is not a good idea. They only need so much each day. If they overeat, they get fat. An overweight dog is more susceptible to many different health problems. Ask your veterinarian what is the best food to give your dog and how much to feed him.
If your dog displays aggressive behavior or isn’t listening to you, pin it on the back. He needs to be aware that you are the boss. The most vital thing about this is that you do not let your dog go until they calm down. Firmly hold the dog without hurting it.
In summary, dogs help their owners experience unconditional love. However, to ensure you enjoy the best possible relationship with your dog, it’s crucial that you learn all you can about it. This article provided you some information about how you can be an expert with dogs. Use these tips to ensure you reap all the benefits of dog ownership.