Are you thinking about bringing a dog into your home? Do you already have one? If yes on either question, then these tips are must reads for you. The advice you find here can make your experience a good one for both you and your pet.
It is expensive to own a dog. Expect to spend from $700 to as high as $1000 in a year to pay for medical attention, food and other items needed. Getting emergency care from the vet is costly, so you may need to take a look at health insurance for your pet.
Make your home dog-proof. You need to look for hazards around your home that your dog might run into. Secure the trash can, stow way all medications and put away your regular cleaning supplies. Many common household plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog or get rid of them.
Hugs are good, but kisses should be avoided. Kisses seem nice, but dogs have very dirty mouths. Dogs poke around trash cans, love smelling and licking other dogs’ body parts and enthusiastically drink from toilet bowls. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Table Scraps
Don’t give table scraps to your dog. This can make your dog not want to eat his dog food, and it will promote begging. Your dog may develop digestive problems and become fat if you feed it table scraps. To prevent temptation, have your dog separated from the area you eat in.
Consult with your vet about the types of foods that are good for your dog. Sometimes, your puppy may not be developed enough to consume certain brands, as this can lead to an upset stomach or sicknesses. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.
If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. Your vet will know how much to feed your particular dog.
Schedule a visit for your new dog with your local veterinarian. Directly after getting your dog, be sure to make a check up appointment with a trusted vet. The veterinarian will do a full checkup and set a schedule for his vaccinations. You should also have your dog neutered or spayed to cut down on pet overpopulation.
If you are not sure whether dog ownership is a good idea for you, then you might want to try being a foster care provider for a needy dog. Many abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting for adoptions, but there is a lot of overcrowding and many resources are scarce. You can give a hand by fostering a dog without a home and try on the role of dog owner too!
Show your dog that you love him. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. This could cause lots of problems for you. Remember to praise and be affectionate with your dog more frequently than you discipline him. This will reinforce that positive behavior brings due rewards, and thus lead to a better behaved pet.
Did you take in all that you could from these tips? If you do not understand, read these tips again. It will be a relief to know what to do if a problem arises. Use these tips everyday to better you and your dog’s relationship.