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There are all types of different dogs, and there are all types of different family situations. It is hard to decide what to do about owning a dog. The following article can help you care for your new pup.
Owning a dog is quite a large financial commitment. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.
Neuter or spay your dog. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of cancer. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.
If you are not sure of how much to feed your dog each day, talk to your vet about it. While some people follow the direction on the back of the dog food packaging, they are sometimes incorrect and may make your dog overweight. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. Getting cold or wet can cause your dog to be stressed and can cause health problems. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.
Bad Behavior
Be sure to address your dog’s bad behavior when you first notice it. If you ignore any issue with your pet then later on it’s going to be harder to train it to obey because it doesn’t know any better. Not only will it be difficult to curb the bad behavior, he can pose physical harm to you or someone you love.
If you’re adopting your pet from a shelter, it’s important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses. You need to be sure that you get your animal all of the shots it needs prior to bringing it home.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. Every time you play with or exercise your dog, you will find that you are promoting a lasting bond.
If your vet has given you medication or special instructions for your dog, make sure that you follow them. Dogs do not like having a cone around their head, but it was given for a reason. Your vet will recommend things that are good for the health of your dog, so make sure that you follow his advice.
Let your dog know that you care about him. Owners tend to focus on the bad times, not the good. This often results in problems later. Try to give your dog praise five times more than the amount of time you scold him. This will make them very happy when around you.
Get into puppy politics. Watch for local legislation that may be passing through the system, restricting and regulating dog owner’s behavior and rights. That legislations is often motivated by certain breeds or certain dogs that have behaved badly. Make sure that your voice is heard on behalf of other dog owners.
Always make an annual checkup appointment for your dog. The vet will be able to spot signs of diabetes, thyroid issues and kidney trouble a while before your dog shows any signs. Yearly physical exams can save money down the line and save the dog from suffering unnecessarily.
Take your dog to the vet regularly. Dogs must see their vet for full exams, vaccinations and routine testing. You will need to see a vet more often if the dog is a puppy. If your dog seems ill or becomes injured, you must take it to a vet immediately.
Be careful when you select food for your dog. There are many kinds of foods you can pick, but the one you choose should fit with your dog’s size and age. While feeding your dog leftover food saves you money, it doesn’t make for a healthy diet.
Do not rely on a cold, wet nose to judge your dog’s health. Sick dogs often have cold, wet noses. You can get a feeling about a dog’s overall health by watching its demeanor, appetite, and energy levels. These signs more accurately foretell the state of your dog’s health. Check a dog’s temperature rectally.
Use different reward systems to find out what your dog prefers. Be on the look out for what motivates your pet to perform well. If your dog enjoys food, use small hot dog pieces. If your dog is more motivated by toys, offer up a short game of fetch or tug-of-war when your puppy obeys properly. A lot of dogs love to be petted and loved on.
Be firm. When some people own dogs they give them extra treats and allow them to misbehave. Not even if he has those big puppy dog eyes! Do not give in or you will only confuse the dog and end up with more problems. If your dog learns that it is not necessary to wait patiently for a few scraps and prefers jumping up to help himself, you may find that the dog takes whatever is in reach without waiting for your permission.
Are you now feeling like you have what it takes to get into caring for a dog? This info is what you need to ensure you have a great life with your pet. Use these ideas to ensure that your dog is happy and well cared for.