Dog ownership is never easy. Issues like finding the best dog food, getting quality medical care, grooming and regular exercise have to be fully considered. There is so much to learn that it can be overwhelming. Therefore, you need to be a responsible owner, and this article will guide you into becoming one.
It takes quite a bit of money to take good care of a dog. Not only do you have to buy food, but you have to pay their vet bills and purchase other items that they need. You could spend as much as a thousand dollars in one year on your pet! Pet health insurance can help; although you will pay a monthly or yearly fee, you will often be covered if a big medical emergency occurs for your pet.
While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. Dogs rummage through trash, drink toilet water and lick other dog’s body parts. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is not in the least bit true.
In the same way that a yearly physical is helpful to you, a yearly trip to the veterinarian is a must for your dog. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Since your dog cannot talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog’s non-verbal language. If your dog is fearful or shy, do not insist that they interact. This could cause the dog to bite. Keep eye on non-verbal clues and look toward your dog for your next move.
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Your dog could be seriously injured or killed by ingesting a couple of small pills. If your dog gets to your medication, you should call your veterinarian right away.
Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. Something could distract him, like a squirrel or a cat, causing him to leave your side. You will be to blame if your dog gets hurt for being off his leash.
Ask your vet how much food your dog should get every day. Some people feed the dog based on their food package recommendations, but these can be wrong and cause them to be overweight. Check with you vet to find out about the feeding guidelines for your particular dog.
Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. Playing and exercising are two crucial components of any healthy dog’s life. Playing fetch or going for a nice walk will be good for both you and the dog. Not only does it give them the exercise they need, but it also improves your relationship with your dog.
Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. It is best to invest in quality dog food. This may mean higher costs for a better brand, but your dog will get great nutrition from proper sources.
If your vet has given you medication or special instructions for your dog, make sure that you follow them. Your dog won’t like a cone, but he has to wear it. Recommendations that a vet makes are for the good of your pet and if you don’t adhere to these things it could be bad for your pet.
Some dog breeds are more likely than others to develop certain health issues. If you don’t know the type of dog he is, research it so you will know the type of problems your dog could have. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action.
Playing music in your home when you leave for your job may help your dog with separation anxiety. The dog will be less likely to feel anxiety if there is a familiar noise. The sounds might help to emulate a normal home environment when people are around.
Make political decisions which will help your dog! Look to see if your local government is passing laws which limit dog owners’ rights. It often results from one bad breed or bad dog. Take action and speak up on behalf of your pet by calling or emailing local officials.
It’s not rare for dogs to acquire cuts by stepping on debris or glass pieces. If your dog suffers a cut, clean it with antiseptic and bandage the wound. If the cut continues to bleed, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.
If your dog happens to have an accident in the house, make sure you remove all traces of it. Start with a professional quality cleaner, and follow that up with an odor remover you know will work. If your dog can still smell it, he may repeatedly defecate in that area.
Make sure you select dog food very carefully. Since there is a variety of food choices available to dogs, you must select the one that matches the type and age of the dog you have. Ask your vet for advice.
When choosing an animal to cohabitate with an existing one, try to arrange an introduction before deciding. While dogs are social instinctively, certain breeds and temperaments get along better with others. If you find that your dogs are compatible, a lot of anguish and trouble can be saved.
As you can see, there is a lot to know when it comes to being a dog owner. You now know what it takes to be a responsible, caring master. Employ the canine care advice that was discussed here and your dog will appreciate it.