Many different types of dogs and different types of family situations exist. It can be a big decision to know which dog is right for you, and how to best care for that dog. Read on to learn more on how to give your pet the best care possible.
Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. Annual checkups can catch issues before they develop into something serious.
If you are teaching your dog, do it at home. This prevents some of the problems that are associated with training around a lot of other people. They are going to become distracted, and the easiest commands can be tough.
Don’t let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they’re well behaved. A wild animal could draw his attention and make him run off into danger, or an unexpected provocation could result in some unpleasant situation with other people and their dogs. Your dog is your responsibility.
It can be really helpful to incorporate hand signals with verbal commands when first training your dog. Your dog may pick things up much easier when they are given these type of signals. Try each way to see what works well with your dog.
The dog breed you choose should blend in well with your lifestyle. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. Similarly, if you’re quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.
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. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. Your dog will soon understand that good behavior is rewarded with praise.
Find out what is going on that is causing your dog to act out. If you don’t address it head on, you will discover that it becomes more difficult to control in the future, possibly with disastrous consequences. Neglecting your dog’s behavior can lead to injuries.
Dog Feel
If separation anxiety plagues your dog, or you want your dog to feel less lonely, play some music while you are at work. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. This little touch can help your dog feel less anxious as he awaits your return.
If you have a dog that has an accident in your home, be sure that you get rid of it completely. Special cleaners and deodorizers are available to do the job right. If any scent remains, the dog might soil the area over and over.
When it becomes hot, do tick and flea inspections. If you find fleas, use a flea comb. There are a lot of products that can assist you with fleas and ticks. Your veterinarian should be able to advise you on your best options.
You might be tempted to share your food with your dog. Certain foods are okay for this, but some foods are not good for dogs. Chocolate, caffeine, and grapes are some examples of food that should not be given to dogs. If your dog eats these foods, it could be detrimental to his health.
Did you know that vitamins could actually be harmful to your dog? If your dog’s already getting the nutrients that it needs, you won’t need to add vitamins to its diet. Too much of some vitamins can cause injury to the bones, joints and blood vessels. Speak to the vet before you give your dog any vitamins.
Your dog might be contained outdoors, but he needs as much of your attention as any indoor dog. He may bark, dig or chew on his paws. Dogs that feel isolated often become aggressive. Make sure that dog gets playtime and lots of love to be as happy as can be.
Be careful with your dog in the summer. It is easy for a dog to become overheated, and this can cause health problems. You need to have a place for them to get out of the sun in the summer months. Make sure your dog has access to clean and cool water. You should also look into doggie sunscreens, as the sun affects dogs too.
Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s diet. Some dogs with medical conditions, like diabetes, need a specific diet. If this is the case, then eating anything else could be hazardous to your dog. Your vet will be able to tell you what to feed your pet.
Puppies chewing on things is cute, but not appropriate behavior. You must do something about these habits right away. As soon as your puppy participates in bad behavior, you should immediately get it to stop, regardless of how cute it is. This will reduce problems down the road.
Dog chew toys and raw hide can help with your dog’s fondness for chewing. These dog toys will help satisfy your dogs urge to chew on items. A lot of these toys can be gotten at pet stores and even online if you prefer.
After reading the above article, are you now more aware of what is required to care for a dog? You’ve got all sorts of new information at your fingertips now. Put what you’ve read here to use, and you will be sure that you have a dog that’s taken care of properly.