There are a lot of different kinds of pets you can get. You could get a cat, little rodent, fish, or reptile. But, if you want a pet to be faithful and your best friend, the dog is the way to go. If you are among the people who love dogs, this article will provide some valuable information about how to properly care for the pet you have chosen to adopt.
Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. It is an old wives’ tale that dogs have cleaner months than humans. It is not necessarily true.
Neuter or spay your dog. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. They are also more likely to remain close to home, reducing their risk of becoming lost or getting injured by a car or another animal.
If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. If your dog does ingest some of your medication, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.
Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Real bones can chip and splinter, this can cause your dog to choke and wreak havoc on his digestive tract. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he needs a dog house. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
When buying your dog’s food, do not get the cheap stuff. Your dog will enjoy greater health benefits from nutritious food. Sure, it’s more expensive. But, isn’t your pet worth it?
Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Dogs who have been abused or left without a home stay in shelters until someone adopts them. Since there are so many dogs in shelters, there are little resources. Fostering dogs will give them a wonderful home – who knows, maybe you will decide to be a fulltime dog owner!
Some dog breeds are more prone to problems than others and you should know if your dog could have problems. Find out what your dog’s breed frequently suffers from and the symptoms. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. Unfortunately there are many people out there who simply cannot care for their dogs anymore and they end up at the local pound. Call the pound to see what they have available. This action could also help to save the life of a dog!
Take care any time a female dog is in heat, as you likely do not want her to become pregnant. A male dog can smell a female in heat from up to five miles away. The dog might also want to fight other dogs, and become pregnant.
Keep a dog tag on your dog at all times. A common method to make sure your lost dog is returned is to have them wear a breakaway collar with an identification tag. This tag should include your contact information and your dog’s name. Another option is to have a micro-chip put on your dog.
It is best to train your dog entirely by yourself. Your dog might become confused by different methods, different vocal commands and different ways of offering praise or punishment. Pick a single person to be the main person doing the training, and let the others know what that person’s methods will be so they can follow along.
When you’re snacking, your dog may look at you with big, begging eyes, asking for a treat. You can do this with some foods, but not all. A few foods that you should not allow your dog to have include grapes, chocolate and caffeine. These can be fatal if ingested.
When you’re training your dog, it’s important to utilize positive reinforcement. Offer the dog plenty of praise and treats when they do well, as they will learn much faster than if you were more stern with them. It’s just a much better solution for immediate results and for the long term relationship too. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.
Don’t go overboard with what you allow your dog to do. Dog owners think it is alright to bend the rules occasionally This is often true with dogs that are particularly adorable. But, remaining firm makes it less likely that accidents will occur. You might not mind giving table scraps, but if you fail to be consistent, your dog might one day help himself to your dinner!
Remember, your dog isn’t a human. Dogs don’t have long attention spans. You should not spend more than fifteen minutes at a time on training or your puppy will lose interest.
Think carefully about what your dog eats. There is a huge difference between dog food brands, but be aware that the most expensive food isn’t necessarily the best. Your vet will be able to help you choose a food that fits your dog’s breed, health, and age. This can be a wonderful way to prolong the life of your pet.
Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but this article should make it an easier task. Continue your research on dogs and the responsibilities for caring for them. You will have a great hobby, and you’ll learn about how best to care for your dog.