Dogs possess a loyalty that is superior to the human trait. For a conscientious dog owner, learning more about properly caring for a dog is no burden. The article below can help.
Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Since your dog doesn’t talk, you may have difficulty figuring out if a tooth starts hurting or where arthritis is developing. Bringing your dog to the vet each year can help stop these health issues from becoming a huge problem.
If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
When training your dog, use hand gestures along with the verbal commands. When you give your dog these kinds of signals, he may learn faster. Try both ways of giving commands to see what works best.
Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Both of you are sure to be happier if you choose a good match.
Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren’t the best for your dog. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Give your dog rawhide instead of real meat bones. Giving them actual bones may cause them to fall apart and become lodged in the digestive tract or oral cavity of your dog. Rawhide is a great treat you can use in lieu of real bones.
If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Dogs from pounds are exposed to more illnesses than others. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.
Help your dog to stay active mentally and help him to exercise enough. Train your dog to perform useful activities like fetching the newspaper. He’ll feel helpful and like he is a member of the family. At the same time, the training is good for his mental and thinking skills.
Your dog needs to wear some sort of identification in case he escapes your house. A breakaway collar that includes an ID tag will ensure the return of your dog if they should wander. This tag needs to have the dog’s name as well as a way to contact you. Micro-chipping is another great option to help in the event that your dog gets lost.
Owning a dog is a great experience and will definitely enrich your life. This is why it is so important that you learn how to properly care for your dog. This guidance can be a great resource well into the future.