Are you concerned about your pet? Some people feel overwhelmed by all the things a dog owner has to do. Other people may feel like they have a pet that just isn’t going to behave. You should go over the following article if you need help with becoming a better dog owner.
Take your dog to the vet at least one time a year for checkups. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. Making an annual trip to the vet is the best way to discover and deal with these kinds of problems when they’re still manageable.
Be sure to have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. Also, dogs that are fixed lose their desire to stray from the home, lessening the chance of them getting lost or hurt.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. This ensures that, should he get lost, you have a current photo, ready for showing around or being used in flyers.
Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. If you like to stay at home, perhaps you would like a small dog. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.
Do not try to feed your dog something they do not like. If your dog is not interested in a treat, do not force your pet to eat it. The best judge of what your dog likes is the dog himself. Fancy name brands mean nothing.
To prevent the hair around a dog’s paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. If this scares you, have a professional do it.
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. There are often pure bred dogs at shelters and rescues, and they are desperately in need of homes. Simply call your pound and see what they have. You could save a dog’s life by doing so!
Dogs tend to get cuts and scrapes on their paws from things they step on. If your dog suffers a cut, clean it with antiseptic and bandage the wound. Go to a vet if it seems like the cut is very deep.
If your dog accidentally goes to the bathroom inside, remove every trace of it. Make sure that you clean up the mess quickly and thoroughly. If your dog can still smell the spot, he may go to the bathroom there again.
Carefully choose your dog’s food. Always consider your dog’s age, health status and size when selecting the brand and formula you want to feed your dog. Also, avoid giving your pet table scraps. They are unhealthy for him.
If you already own a dog and are getting another one, have the two meet before bringing the new one home. Just like people, dogs can have a personality clash. You can prevent future problems if you are able to get a dog that is compatible with the dog you already have.
You need to really consider adding a dog to your home. Sometimes, it is hard to resist the adorable face of a puppy or dog, but remember how much is involved in the proper care of a pet. In order to make sure you are ready for dog ownership, think it through carefully.
Are you aware of the fact that some vitamins might hurt your dog? Your dog does not need vitamins if you feed it a good diet. Too many of some vitamins can damage joints, bones, and blood vessels. Speak to a vet before beginning any dog vitamin regimen.
Don’t think that a dog’s health status can be determined by how its nose feels. Your dog can be sick even if his nose is healthy. Assess the health of your dog by observing its mood, energy level and appetite. These are a truer indication if anything is amiss with your furry friend. A dog’s temperature can be taken rectally if need be.
If you want a dog, think about a dog training program. By educating yourself from professionals, you and your new furry companion will be happier because you will know how to better care for it. Even though a puppy is much simpler to train, a dog can still be trained well enough at any age.
If you own a dog, you carry quite a bit of responsibility. Sometimes, caring for a dog can seem like a never ending job. However, the suggestions in the preceding article will aid you in tackling many of the problems you will face. You will not worry any longer.
