When going to a pet store or pound, you may think of getting a sweet dog that will sleep all night and follow you around the entire day. What you end up with may be a different story. Regardless, you are now tasked with caring for your dog, and this article will teach you the ropes.
Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don’t insist that they interact. This could lead to the other dog or person getting bit. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for your dog. Lots of treatments contain things that can be harmful to kids. Talk with your vet concerning alternative treatments, and do not let small children come near while treating your dog.
Talk to your vet about what kinds of foods you might want to keep your pet away from. If your puppy is very young, it might not be ready to consume specific brands, and feeding them to your pup can result in sickness. Be careful about which foods you feed your dog.
You don’t want to buy the bargain dog food. Cheap brands are full of fillers, preservative and even chemicals. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
Correct your dog’s bad behavior immediately. Ignoring it for any length of time will only make it that much more difficult to contain later and you never know what could happen as a result of it now. In addition, by not taking action, your dog may injure another person, even you. Therefore, ensure you discipline your dog.
Your dog needs attention and shouldn’t be left alone outdoors all day. This is common for people to do, but dogs should interact with others. If you only have one dog, he can get lonely outside. Plan on bringing your dog inside when the weather is rainy, snowy, very hot, or very cold.
Certain dog breeds are prone to specific health issues, so be aware of what is typical for your dog’s breed. Research the heritage of your pup and learn how to prevent any common problems. Talk to the vet to find out what you are able to do to assist your dog in beating the prognoses of his breed.
If you have a dog that has problems with separation anxiety, or to be nice, you should leave music on when you’re going out of the house. The dog will be less likely to feel anxiety if there is a familiar noise. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.
Make sure that your female dog is contained well if she’s in heat. This will help to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. A female’s scent can travel a very long distance. This may cause a fight or impregnation if a male dog spots her.
Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. He should visit once a year for tests, weighing and vaccinations. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. You also should see a vet as soon as possible if your dog seems ill or gets injured.
If your pup has an accident in your home, be sure to clean it up properly. Use a product specifically designed to clean and remove pet odors. If any scent remains, the dog might soil the area over and over.
When the weather gets warm, start checking your dog for ticks and fleas. A flea comb can help you remove fleas that you see. A number of products are available to control fleas and ticks on your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about such products or any other options that are available.
Dogs do not necessarily need vitamin supplements like humans. Your dog should not need vitamins in addition to eating right. Too much of some vitamins can cause injury to the bones, joints and blood vessels. Speak with a vet before starting your dog’s vitamin regimen.
Make sure that you use the tips and advice from above. Use as much of it as applies to your situation, and you will discover that you and your canine companion can have a happy life together. There is nothing greater than receiving unconditional love from a well-trained pet dog.
