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The different array of pets available can make it hard to decide on one. You could get a cat, little rodent, fish, or reptile. When talking about dogs, there is no better friend and he is someone that will always love you. You will learn that from this article.
It’s very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. This should be done before the dog shows up at your home. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Certain plants are toxic, and it’s best to move them, too.
Because non-verbal communication is vital to dogs, you should devote yourself to learning how to read your dog’s signals. If your dog is fearful or shy, do not insist that they interact. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.
If you’re on any kind of medication, even if it’s over-the-counter, you need to keep it away from your dog. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. If your dog happens to get into any such pills, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
Beware of flea treatments for your dog. Lots of treatments contain things that can be harmful to kids. Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
When choosing a dog, make sure you consider your lifestyle. Joggers should get a high energy dog, for example. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. Getting a dog that matches your lifestyle will make you both more happy.
Don’t make you dog eat something they don’t want to eat. If you got them a treat and they aren’t interested in it, don’t make them eat it. Keep an eye on your dog’s likes and dislikes.
Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. Directly after getting your dog, be sure to make a check up appointment with a trusted vet. A vet will make sure the dog is healthy and also set up a future schedule of vaccinations. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.
Always teach your dog to walk properly on a leash. Make him walk at your side, and do not let him pull far in front of you or stay far behind. Use the command “heel” to prompt him. Walking in this manner keeps your dog safe, and you are bound to enjoy walks more as well. Even if you decide to give him additional slack on the leash from time to time, teaching your dog to heel remains an important task as a pet owner.
Prevent matting on your dogs paws by keeping the area well trimmed. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
Always follow through with instructions from your vet if your dog has medication or needs special attention. The dog may not be fond of the treatment or medication, but it’s for its health. Your vet will recommend things that are good for the health of your dog, so make sure that you follow his advice.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. 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. You may get to save a canine’s life if you do this!
Keep your dog mentally active along with providing him plenty of opportunity to get physical exercise. Teach your dog to get your newspaper as well as other things that are useful in your home. This gives him a job to do and he’ll feel fulfilled as a result.
Anytime your dog has an accident in your home, remove any trace of it. Use a product specifically designed to clean and remove pet odors. If you leave behind any type of a scent from the dog’s accident they may end up using the bathroom again in that spot.
When the weather gets warm, start checking your dog for ticks and fleas. Remove any fleas you find with a specialized comb. There are lots of products that can help with ticks and fleas. Ask your vet which are best.
Choose the food your dog eats very carefully. Always consider your dog’s age, health status and size when selecting the brand and formula you want to feed your dog. Ask your vet for advice.
Some vitamins are not beneficial for dogs. Don’t give your dog extra vitamins if he’s eating a well-balanced diet. Excessive amounts of some vitamins can harm the bones, joints and blood vessels. Before giving your dog vitamins, get your vet’s OK.
Watch your dog’s diet carefully. Puppies can eat higher fat options to help them grow. However, when these same foods are eaten during adulthood, they could cause extreme weight gain, which can cause damage to your dog’s health.
Walk your dog every day, even if you’re busy. Your dog will benefit not just from the exercise, but also from the opportunities to see different things and encounter other humans and pets. That is crucial to his growth and development, so make your walks a priority.
Taking in a dog is a massive responsibility, but thanks to the tips you’ve read, you should be up to the task. Continue learning and reading about dogs. This way, you and your dog can enjoy many happy years together.