How To Keep Your New Puppy Healthy
Dog ownership can be a joyful experience, but only if you know how to be a responsible owner. You’ll need to know a few things if you want to have fun with your dog. Some fantastic dog related tips are contained in this article. Continue with your reading to learn all that you need to know as a responsible dog owner.
It is a good idea to use hand signals when you are trying to train your dog, instead of just relying on verbal commands. Your dog may have a better time understanding you when you use manual signals. Try both methods to see which your dog prefers.
Avoid the bargain brands of pet food. The brands that are cheaper have preservatives, additives, as well as other things that aren’t good for your dog. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods that are recommended by professionals. Your dog will appreciate your research.
If you have an outdoor pet, build a shelter for him or buy one that is ready to use. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing shelter.
Take the time to correct bad behavior in your dog at the first sign of it. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. You need to make sure your dog is happy to keep them in control and so he does not hurt anyone.
If you’re going to adopt a new dog from an animal shelter, you need to get a vet appointment scheduled as soon as possible. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. That is why it’s important to have a full checkup and a course of vaccinations before you bring your puppy home.
You may need to trim hair that grows near the dog’s paws to help keep it from matting. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
When giving your dog medication or special treatment, follow vet instructions closely. Dogs may resist wearing cones, but they are there for good reason. The vet doesn’t give advice for no reason, and it can be dangerous to now do what is advised.
If your dog is a female and in heat, you need to be careful if you’re not trying to get her pregnant. It is possible for a male to pick up her scent from miles away. The end result of letting an in heat dog run free is not only an unwanted litter, but also a dog who is prone to fighting and the resulting injuries.
Be sure that your dog has some kind of identification in case it were to escape from your home. It’s a good idea to fit your dog with a sturdy collar equipped with ID tags. Include all personal information necessary on this tag. You may also consider having a micro-chip implanted.
Dogs can get a cut on their foot if they step on glass or debris. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use an antiseptic and a bandage to clean and protect it. See a vet if they have a deep cut.
You might be tempted to share your food with your dog. While some foods are fine for sharing with your dog, there are some that must be avoided. Dogs should never be given caffeine, grapes, or chocolate. Foods such as these can do a lot of harm to your dogs health.
Being a good dog owner can be a lot of work, but it is also a very enriching experience. You can’t just get a dog and expect it to be perfect. It takes some effort on your part. Improve the quality of your pet’s life (and your own!) by making use of the handy advice you’ve received here.