Are you a current dog owner or did you have one in the past? If so, you surely realize how great having a dog can be. Still, as with anything in life, the more you know, the better. This article will give you great dog advice.
It can cost a lot to take care of a dog. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. You should also look into purchasing a good pet health insurance policy to avoid high medical bills.
Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is. Dogs rummage through trash, drink toilet water and lick other dog’s body parts. It’s an old wives’ tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. This is simply false.
You should have your dog spayed or neutered. This helps reduce the probability of cancer and extends the life of your dog. A spayed or neutered dog is also less likely to stray from its home, meaning it won’t risk getting lost or winding up in a street accident.
If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Anti-flea products are dangerous. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.
Set up a vet check for a new dog. Once the dog arrive home, place a call to the vet and schedule that appointment. The vet will check him over and prepare him for vaccinations. Set up an appointment to have your dog fixed, too.
Never leave a dog outside for long periods of time. Understand that dogs need to interact with other people and animals. If your dog is alone outside, it will quickly get lonely. If you’re area is experiencing rain or snow, you’ll need to bring your dog inside to prevent your dog from getting ill.
Trimming around the paws of your dog will ensure your dog’s fur doesn’t get matted. Straighten hair with a comb a bit before you trim it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you’d probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they’re doing.
If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. The dog may not be fond of the treatment or medication, but it’s for its health. Your veterinarian only has your dog’s best interests at heart, and if you don’t listen, you may inadvertently cause your dog harm.
If you have a lone dog think about getting another if he is feeling lonely. Dogs are animals that love to be with other dogs. Match them carefully by energy levels and temperament so that they can enjoy themselves.
Stimulate your dog mentally by giving him exercise and physical activity. Train your dog to perform useful activities like fetching the newspaper. Your dog will feel like a useful member of the family, and the reinforcement will keep his training sharp.
If your dog happens to have an accident in the house, make sure you remove all traces of it. Use a cleaner that’s professional strength and follow that up with a good odor remover. If any of the smell remains, your dog might be encouraged to do the same thing, in the same spot, all over again.
You need to think everything through before you bring a dog home. While a puppy’s face is adorable, you must consider everything as far as providing care. In order to make sure you are ready for dog ownership, think it through carefully.
Prior to getting a dog, take into consideration your lifestyle and the amount of time you are away from home. Wanting a dog is a piece of cake, but actually taking care of one is harder.
Just because a dog is outside doesn’t mean they need less attention than indoor dogs. He is likely to begin barking, digging holes or chewing if you do not give him enough attention. Dogs that feel isolated often become aggressive. Spend some time with your dog and take the time to train it properly.
It is very important for you to monitor all of the food your dog eats. Puppies can eat lots of calorie packed foods because they are still growing. However, if they eat the same kinds of foods when they get older they may gain a lot of weight and that isn’t healthy.
If you’ve just got a dog, look into taking a training course together. You and your dog are going to be much happier if you train him properly according to commands. While puppies usually learn commands easier than adult dogs, older dogs are still able to learn.
Walk your dog daily, even if you’re busy. Not only does your pet need the exercise, but walks give your canine friend a chance to see new things and possibly interact with new people. This helps him develop mentally and grow as a dog.
If you’ve recently added a new dog to your home, you’ll have to decide where you want your dog to sleep. If your dog is in a crate during the night, do not let your dog in your bed. If you let your dog sleep in your bedroom or on your bed, keep in mind that you will not easily get rid of this habit.
As discussed above, few things are as rewarding as owning a dog. It is best, however, when you are knowledgeable about dogs before you take one in. The above article should help you understand more about dogs. Apply the advice and have fun with your dog!