Take The Mystery Out Of Caring For Dogs
There is nothing like a dog if you want affection, love, and loyalty. Dogs can be great pets that the whole family can love and they are also great companions for just one person too. Follow the tips below to learn a better way to care for your dog.
Make your home dog-proof. You need to look for hazards around your home that your dog might run into. Hide cleaning supplies and medicines and hide trashcans in a cabinet. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.
Hugs are good, but kisses should be avoided. Dogs are prone to tartar build up and cavities just like people. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. Many people believe that the human mouth has more germs than that of a dog – this isn’t true. Definitely do not believe that!
You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. Dogs can’t talk, so how do you know he has arthritis, for example? Taking your dog for a yearly checkup allows relatively minor problems to be detected before they turn into major issues.
You should have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has shown that by doing this you can be sure your pet can have a longer life and not be at risk for things like cancer. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
When you are training your dog, it is always best to incorporate the use of hand signals in addition to using verbal commands. Dogs tend to respond better with these additional types of signals instead of always relying on voice commands. Not every dog will learn the same, so try different techniques with your dog.
It’s important to make sure that your pup’s nails stay trimmed. It can be quite painful for your dog if his nails start curling under. Try trimming them with scissors you buy at the store. If you are worried about doing this, simply take him to a groomer – it doesn’t cost very much to get his nails trimmed.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. High quality foods are always your best bet. Quality brands are more expensive but they will significantly increase the life expectancy of your dog.
When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you’ve brought him home. Immediately after bringing home the new dog, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. The vet will give him a complete health check and set up a vaccination schedule. Unwanted puppies are a tragedy, so make sure your dog gets spayed or neutered.
If you are seeking a dog of a particular breed, be sure to check with your local animal shelter first. People who aren’t fully committed to dog ownership often abandon their animals at the pound. Contact the pound in your area to see what kinds of breeds they have at the time. You may save a poor dog’s life if you do this.
Owning a dog involves following through on quite a few responsibilities. There is more to the task than simply walking and feeding it. Caring for your dog is of the utmost importance, and one in which you will need to learn. This can help you have many healthy and happy years together.
