Things You Should Know If You Have A Dog

TIP! Since you’re not able to speak with your dog like a person, you should pay close attention to the dog’s non-verbal speech. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn’t attempt to force its interaction with them.

Do you feel like your grocery store is lacking in the dog food department? Many people feel that mass produced dog food isn’t sufficient enough to provide their dog with the right nutrient. Many of these people take matters into their own hands. These tips can help you be a better, more responsible dog owner.

TIP! If you are on any kind of medication, you should ensure your dog never gains access to it. Dogs can have very negative side effects from even small amounts of medications intended for humans.

Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Your dog can’t speak to tell you he’s in pain. Bringing your dog to the vet each year can help stop these health issues from becoming a huge problem.

Anti-flea products are dangerous. Lots of treatments contain things that can be harmful to kids. Talk to the vet to determine if there are other options for your dog.

TIP! Don’t give your dog leftovers from your own plate. This can make your dog not want to eat his dog food, and it will promote begging.

Take some time to schedule dog training sessions in your own home and backyard. You shouldn’t train your dog where many other people are present. They may get distracted and it will be more difficult to teach them even the most basic commands.

TIP! If your dog does something the correct way, such as sitting before you put the leash on, make sure that you give it tons of affection and praise. This will show that you appreciate what your dog is doing.

Try using hand signals when training a dog instead of just using verbal commands. It may be easier for your dog to learn commands if they see a visual signal. Test out both methods to see which works for you.

TIP! Find out what is going on that is causing your dog to act out. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road.

Your vet can give you some good advice on what you should feed your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.

TIP! If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses.

Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. If you like to stay at home, perhaps you would like a small dog. Selecting the right dog will make you both happier.

TIP! Don’t feed your dog the cheap stuff. Long-term, the dog will do much better with nutritious, good quality food.

Don’t buy cheap dog food. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog’s health. Check out professional recommendations from groups online. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.

TIP! If your female dog is in heat, be very careful with her around other dogs or she may become pregnant. A male can pick up on her scent from as far as five miles away! This can lead to aggression among other males, and you certainly don’t want to be left with an unexpected litter of pups.

You won’t just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. It’ll also give them a very beautiful and shiny coat. This is because the motions you go through while brushing evenly distributes the skin’s oils and helps keep the skin healthy, shiny and soft.

TIP! Make sure your dog gets an annual health check-up. Vets can find problems such as kidney troubles, thyroid issues and diabetes well before symptoms appear to you.

Plenty of physical activity is one of your dog’s necessities. Dogs need routine activity and play in order to stay happy and healthy. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.

TIP! Have your pet checked out by your vet on a regular basis. It’s important that the dog sees a vet every so often to make sure there aren’t any shots that they might need.

Providing foster care for a homeless dog can be a great way to see if you are suited to care for a dog. There are plenty of animals sitting in homeless shelters who desperately need a home due to over-crowding and limited shelter resources. Fostering a dog will both help the cause and allow you to test drive the responsibility involved with pet ownership.

TIP! You should check your dog for ticks and fleas every day during the summer months. Try using a flea comb to remove any fleas that you find.

You should carefully trim the hair near the paws to avoid matted hair. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.

TIP! Train your dog using positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise make your pet learn faster than threats and violence.

Listen to your vet when he tells you how to administer medication or care. There’s a reason dogs have to endure uncomfortable situations like a cone-collar! Vets are professionals who have experience dealing with your situation.

TIP! You need to be firm with your dog. When some people own dogs they give them extra treats and allow them to misbehave.

Be sure that your dog has some kind of identification in case it were to escape from your home. This is typically a collar with a tag on it. Keep the ID tags updated with your current contact information. You can also opt to have a micro-chip inserted into your dog.

TIP! Socializing your dog with other dogs is essential when you get to bring a puppy into your home. The groomers, a dog park, and doggy play dates are all great ways you can socialize your dog with other dogs.

Now that you have read this article, it should be easy for you to know how to take care of your furry friend. There is so much more to dog food possibilities than you see in your supermarket. Keep this in mind as you set out to meet your pooch’s needs.


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