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If you walk down the street, you probably notice that a lot of people own a dog. Perhaps you own one as well, and wish to know a little more about them. This article is going to teach you the basics of caring for a dog, along with other tips. Keep reading and you’ll be an expert on dogs in no time.
Owning a dog takes a bit of money. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. One huge expense you might encounter is emergency vet care, so you may want to think about getting health insurance for your pet.
If you are looking for a great family pet, but are on a budget, consider rescuing an animal.You can get one at a local shelter for minimal costs and the dog will come with a clean bill of health and all his shots. If you are interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group specializing in only those pooches.
Look into subsidized health care for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, in cooperation with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated for a fraction of veterinary costs at a sponsored event probably close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your town.
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Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by car. Even with your air-conditioning on, the dog may become over-heated in his pet carrier. A simple and low-cost countermeasure is freezing a few gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he can curl up and cool off.
When giving your dog a bath, make sure that you only put on shampoo that is intended for canines. Using lukewarm water, get the entire body wet and then begin applying the shampoo to their face, working your way down their body. Wait a few minutes and then take a washcloth and wipe off the suds from your pet’s face. Wash off the rest of the shampoo as well.
Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Not having to hold the leash tightly will make going for walks easier.
Getting a dog on a whim is rarely a good idea. You need to make sure you can afford to feed a dog and cover medical expenses before getting a pet. Research different breeds to figure out which dog would be best for your family, your lifestyle and the size of your home.
As you can see, it’s not terribly difficult to deal with caring for a dog. It does take a some time and patience, but it is possible to do well at it. Just take in everything you’ve read here and you should be able to help your dog live a happy and healthy life.