Have you ever owned a dog, or are you considering getting one? If you do, you understand the benefits a dog brings. The proper education can help you become the best owner possible. The following article breaks down the different techniques that you must learn.
Your home must be dog-proofed. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. Make sure all of the medicine is put away and the cleaning supplies are up and safe. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.
Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. It’s just a myth that your dog’s mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Your dog needs an annual physical exam from the vet, just as you need one from your doctor. Your dog will not be able to express its concerns, so make sure that you get it a checkup periodically. An annual checkup can help catch such issues before they become a major problem.
Whenever you bring your dog along on vacations, take a quick snapshot of him and keep it on your phone. Therefore, if your animals get lost, there is a recent photo that can be used for the purpose of locating them.
Make sure you are using the right flea treatments on your pet dog. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
When your dog is good, praise him immediately. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. This is called positive reinforcement.
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Animals from shelters sometimes have viruses or might have already been sick when taken in by the shelter. It’s smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.
Becoming a foster for a dog will help you decide if dog ownership is right for you. A lot of shelters that take in homeless or abused animals have a way to let you adopt them for a while. Not only will you be helping a dog in need, but it will help you figure out if you would like to become a dog owner.
Health Problems
Some dogs are more likely to suffer from health problems and so you should know what to look out for in your dog. Do what you can to combat those issues early. Be sure to ask the vet if there is anything you can do in order to avoid health problems that run in the breed.
If your dog has separation anxiety or you wish to be really nice to them, keep music on while you are going to work. The sound will help him feel more secure and not as alone. This may help ease the dog’s fears and calm him down just enough so he isn’t going crazy while he awaits your arrival.
Make political decisions which will help your dog! Local legislation that could restrict or regulate the rights of dogs and their owners might be on the table. These pieces of legislation are typically motivated by a single incident, one particular breed or a limited number of misbehaved dogs. Stand up for your rights!
Get to 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. Puppies must visit the vet more often. Never hesitate to take your dog to the vet if something seems off; remember that your dog can not tell you something is wrong.
If you choose to own an outdoor dog, it is important to realize that he needs just as much love and attention as any indoor animal companion. If you leave him by himself and without stimulation for extended periods of time, he might decide to dig holes, bark loudly and excessively or chew on wires, ropes and hoses. There is also a chance me may become aggressive. He’ll be happy if you show him tons of love and play with him often.
Make sure that you wash your dog’s food and water bowls on a fairly regular basis. This will keep your dog clean and sanitary. Each day, clean out your dog’s dishes before filling them up with fresh water and food.
Walk your dog at least once daily. Your dog needs some fresh air, some exercise and going for a walk is a great opportunity to discover new smells and perhaps meet other dogs. Your dog will grow up strong and healthy if you make this a priority.
Speak with a vet to see what kinds of food your dog should eat. Dogs with medical issues will need special foods. If this is the case, then eating anything else could be hazardous to your dog. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend the best diet for your dog.
If your dog is chewing up your things, chew toys or bone chews can be a great option. This will prevent your dog from eating furniture around the house. You can find these dog toys at supermarkets or a local pet store.
As you’ve read, you can get a lot out of dog ownership. The experience is greater the more you learn about dogs. Now that you’ve read this information, you should understand dogs pretty well. Use these tips and enjoy the time you have with your canine!