Dog ownership is never easy. You must care for a dog as you would a child with proper care, feeding and grooming, socializing, education and medical care. Not all the steps to proper dog care are intuitive. This article is a great place to get started acquiring dog ownership know-how.
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. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.
When bringing dogs on vacation, it pays to take a photo of them to keep on your phone. This ensures that, should he get lost, you have a current photo, ready for showing around or being used in flyers.
Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for your dog. Some medicines can put your children in harms way. Ask the vet about flea powders and other products that are less hazardous for kids.
You don't want to buy the bargain dog food. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren't the best for your dog. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. You will see a difference in your dog's activity level and general happiness when you feed him "good" food.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. Playing and exercising are two crucial components of any healthy dog's life. Regardless of the activity you choose, whether it is a game of fetch or a walk around the neighborhood, both of you will benefit. It also grows your bond with the dog.
Prevent matting on your dogs paws by keeping the area well trimmed. Comb the tangles out before you start trimming. If you're uncomfortable trimming hair, you should probably have your dog groomed by a professional.
Playing music in your home when you leave for your job may help your dog with separation anxiety. The dog will be less likely to feel anxiety if there is a familiar noise. This little touch can help your dog feel less anxious as he awaits your return.
Keep vet appointments for your dog. The vet can detect things like diabetes, thyroid problems and kidney issues long before you see the signs of them. This saves you money on vet bills later on, or heartache from your pet's suffering.
Try to use positive reinforcement on your dog. Praise your dog and give it a treat when it does something well instead of using punishments to get rid of bad behaviors. In addition, kind and humane treatment during training periods is healthier for your dog. So be kind to your dog when you are training him; you will be rewarded with positive results.
Outdoor dogs are not solitary creatures. When left by himself all the time, he may pick up negative habits, such as biting, chewing, and barking. He may start being aggressive, too. Provide them lots of playtime and love to maintain their happiness.
Watch your dog's diet carefully. Young puppies need foods rich in calories to grow. But, adults dogs who eat these foods tend to gain weight, leading to health issues.
Develop some basic guidelines for your pet and stick to them. Often, dog owners think it's fine to sneak some food to them or let them tear apart a toy. This is very common when dogs are cute little puppies. If you're firm, you won't have these accidents. You might not mind giving table scraps, but if you fail to be consistent, your dog might one day help himself to your dinner!
If you have very high expectations of your dog, lower them slightly when you begin training. A dog's attention span tends to go in and out, so you must be aware of that when training him. Limit your training periods to five minutes at a time and be sure to exercise a high level of patience.
Your pet must have good hygiene habits the same way you do. Though dogs don't need bathing every day, they ought to have one each week. This will help to prevent any skin issues, and will keep your home clean as well.
Regardless of your schedule, you should find time to walk your dog every day. Walks provide your pet with important exercise, but it's also one of the only chances it has to make new discoveries and socialize with new people. If you want your dog to grow up to be friendly and happy, you should ensure you walk it regularly.
Carefully consider your dog's diet. There is a huge difference between dog food brands, but be aware that the most expensive food isn't necessarily the best. Talk to your dog's vet about which food you should feed your dog based on their age, health and more. This is a great way to make sure your dog lives for a long time.
If your dog stays busy, he will be happy. Sometimes dogs misbehave because they are under-stimulated. Boredom leads to barking, digging and chewing. Tired dogs are generally happy dogs. Proper behavior is vital towards training your pup.
This expert advice has now been committed to your memory so you can use it every day for your dog. You now know what it takes to be a responsible, caring master. Your dog will be much happier and healthier if you put some effort into being a good dog owner.
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