Dog ownership is a tradition stretching back hundreds of generations. The bonding of dog and man has been mutually satisfying on many levels. You, as the person, are responsible for making sure the dog is taken care of well. Here are several tips that will help you keep your dog healthy.
Make your home suitable for dogs. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. All cleaning materials and drugs must be put away, and put your trash receptacle inside a cabinet. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Dogs tend to dig through garbage cans, drink out of toilets and explore the hind quarters of other animals. It is an old wives’ tale that dogs have cleaner months than humans. This is absolutely a myth!
An annual checkup at the vet is a great idea for your dog. Since your dog cannot talk to you, it may be hard to determine when arthritis is setting in or a tooth begins hurting. Taking your dog for a yearly checkup allows relatively minor problems to be detected before they turn into major issues.
Always have your dogs spayed or neutered. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. Dogs who have been neutered or spayed are also less likely to run or wander away from home.
Be sure to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog’s health and even cause death. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. Getting cold or wet can cause your dog to be stressed and can cause health problems. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.
Schedule a visit for your new dog with your local veterinarian. Make an appointment as early as possible. Your vet can make health recommendations, make sure that vaccinations are up to date and help with maintenance items like flea care and proper diet. Ask your vet about neutering your dog. Shelters are filled with unwanted animals and not neutering your dog means you could be making this problem worse.
Certain breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of what’s typical for your type of dog. Research the breed of your dog and take steps to ensure he does not get any infections or diseases. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
Take great care of your dog. When learning from this article how to approach it, it becomes easier. Use what you learned here and you can have a healthy and happy dog.