Do you own a dog now, or have you ever had one before? That means you know how great it is to have your own dog. But, just like everything else, owning a dog can be better if you’re educated on the matter. This article is going to go over some things that will help you become better with dogs.
It costs a lot to own a dog. Dogs require quality food, medical care, and general supplies that can vary in costs. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
An annual checkup at the vet is a great idea for your dog. Your dog will not be able to express its concerns, so make sure that you get it a checkup periodically. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Be sure to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Taking just a few such pills can have devastating consequences for a dog. You should contact your vet right away if your dog swallows some medication.
Dog Foods
Do not buy the cheapest dog food. Less expensive dog foods include fillers and additives that are not beneficial to your dog’s health. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Pieces can break off of the real bone, which may cause your dog to choke. Rawhide is proven healthy and great for teeth as well, but don’t be tempted to share that T-bone, no matter what kind of eyes your dog gives you.
As soon as you notice your dog engaging in bad behaviors, immediately try to correct them. If you ignore it you might make it worse than before. It is possible that your dog could injure a person, and that person could be you! So correct unwanted behavior right away.
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.
Always buy high quality food for your best friend. Your dog will benefit from eating healthy, quality food. Although it will cost you more, you can feel good about the fact that you aren’t skimping when it comes to what your pet eats.
Make sure that your dog is not kept outside your home all day long. This is done for various reasons, but your dog needs interaction with people. If you don’t have more than one dog, the dog will get lonely when he’s not around you. Also, any extreme weather can cause problems for your dog.
Pure Bred Dogs
For pure bred dogs, don’t discount local pounds to find one. Many pure bred dogs are abandoned at dog pounds or shelters when owners aren’t able to care for them. Call the pound to see what they have available. You may save a poor dog’s life if you do this.
Be cautious with your female dog if she’s in heat. If you don’t, she may become pregnant. A male is able to smell her from as much as five miles in the distance! This causes fights as well as sexual behavior.
Stay on top of canine politics for your friend. Watch to see if there are any laws passed that affect your situation as the owner of a dog. Frequently, this sort of thing is just a knee-jerk reaction based on an isolated incident. You need to talk to your local officials and stick up for rights of dog owners.
Having too many people trying to train one dog can cause problems. Different people do things different ways, and you can confuse your pup. One person should be in charge, and everyone else needs to reinforce everything this person teaches the dog.
Choosing a dog food needs to be done with great consideration. A variety of foods are available, but that doesn’t mean they’re all perfect for your pet. Feeding leftovers to a dog can save money, but a proper diet is harder to maintain with them eating leftovers.
Some vitamins can be bad for your dog’s health. A balanced diet may be all that your dog needs. Too much of a good thing can compromise the liver, kidneys and other essential organs. Consult with your vet before starting your dog on a regimen of vitamins.
Do not just think your dog is ok because he has a cold nose. Even if your dog is sick, there are different reasons his nose may be wet and cold. Keep an eye on your pet’s health by monitoring their mood, appetite levels, and how much energy they have. These are a truer indication if anything is amiss with your furry friend. A rectal thermometer will come in handy to see if your dog is feverish.
Washing your dog’s bowls should be done regularly. Just like for humans, it is not sanitary for your pets to continuously eat from a dirty bowl. Food bowls should be cleaned on a daily basis and fresh drinking water provided.
Crate Training
If you can’t be with your puppy all day, crate training is probably ideal for you. Crate training will help toilet train your dog and protect your home and belongings from potential destruction.
As stated at the start of this article, it is extremely rewarding to own a dog. When you know all you can about dogs, the rewards are even greater! Thanks to the knowledge found here, you should be more informed on dogs. Enjoy every moment with your dog by putting them to use today!