Do you feel like your grocery store is lacking in the dog food department? A lot of people agree with you. It is important that you understand how to properly care for your dog. Be better informed about caring for your dog by reading this article.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. This statement is most definitely not true.
Keep your medications out of paw’s reach. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.
Make use of hand signals when training your dog versus relying only on verbal commands. These signals will help you keep your dog under control in a noisy environment. Try each way to see what works well with your dog.
Giving your dog a good brush every day will definitely do more than lower their amount of shedding. Brushing daily can ensure your dog’s coat is shiny and healthy looking. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.
Instruct your dog clearly about how to walk with a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” This will not only make your walks more enjoyable, but it will also help keep your dog safe. If you are using a loose leash, you help your dog to realize this is the best way to go about it.
Follow through according to your vet’s suggestions if your dog needs something special or has medicine. The dog may not be fond of the treatment or medication, but it’s for its health. If your veterinarian recommends something, it’s because it’s what’s best for your dog. If you ignore recommendations, your dog could have some major health issues.
Some breeds have inherent health issues you need to watch for. Research his history and figure out what problems he may be a candidate for. Speak with your vet about the positive steps you can take to help your dog avoid these sorts of breed related problems.
Make sure you provide your dog with affection on a regular basis. Many owners inadvertently spend more time focusing on their pet’s negative behaviors than on all the good things they do. If that persists, your dog may begin to act inappropriately to get your attention. Try praising them at least 5 times more than when you scold them. Your dog will probably show proper behavior more if this is done.
Be sure your dog wears identification so it can always get back home. A common way to find a lost dog is to ensure it has a collar with an ID tag. All of the necessary contact information, including your dog’s name, should be included. Micro-chipping is another great option to help in the event that your dog gets lost.
If you have a dog that has an accident in your home, be sure that you get rid of it completely. You must make use of an effective cleaner and a strong odor remover. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.
It is very important that you put a lot of thought into whether or not you’re ready to add a dog to your family. While a puppy’s face is adorable, you must consider everything as far as providing care. Think it through carefully and talk to friends with dogs so you fully understand all that is involved.
When it is hot outside, do everything necessary to keep your dog safe. It’s easy for a dog to get overheated. Give your dog a cool, shaded area to retreat to when it gets hot. Be sure there is always cool and clean water within the dog’s reach. Also, your dog might not like the sun’s rays, so ask the vet if you can get some sunscreen for your dog.
Be sure to thoroughly and regularly clean the bowls that your dog uses. Just like you do not want to continuously eat and drink from bowls that are not very clean, your dog doesn’t either. Wash your dog’s bowls daily and keep them full of clean water and fresh food.
Do not have overly high expectations for your dog. When you’re getting a dog trained, it may not have a long attention span. Keep training sessions short and sweet (just a few minutes, if that’s all that works) so that your dog won’t get frustrated and form negative associations with the training process.
Really consider what you’re feeding your dog. Some foods are better than others, and the cost shouldn’t be your deciding factor. Seek the advice of your vet in matching your dog with the best food for his health, age and breed. Diet is a great way to give your dog a longer and happier life.
It may be cute when your plays with your slippers, but you won’t appreciate it if he chews them up. The sooner you stop bad habits, the better. If your dog is doing something that it shouldn’t, don’t ignore it. This can save you from a lot of grief down the road.
Your dog doesn’t have to eat store-bought dog food. There is a world of dog dietary options beyond what you can see in the dog food aisle. Keep this information in mind for ideas to improve your relationship with your own dog.