Men have cared for dogs as pets for many thousands of years. It is truly a match made in heaven. However, since you’re the human, you’re going to have to be sure that you’re caring for the dog properly. Here are several tips that will help you keep your dog healthy.
Start training your dog as soon as you bring them home. Create a vocabulary list that all your family members will use to command the dog and stick to it. Dogs can become confused if the same words are not used to give them directions. The dog will see “get over here” and “come” as two different commands.
Your pet needs vaccinations, much in the same way that your baby does. Some common vaccinations that dogs require include rabies, hepatitis and distemper. Each pet is different, and each will have a different immunization schedule. Your veterinarian is a great resource when it comes to which vaccinations are right for the age and breed of your pet.
Talk with your vet about the foods you should feed your dog. Sometimes you’ll find that a puppy can’t eat certain brands of foods because it will make their stomach upset. Err on the side of caution when feeding food to your dog.
If you are struggling to get your pet to behave during a grooming session, apply positive reinforcement. With your words and your tone, praise your dog for anything little thing that he or she does well during the time you are working with him. Give him a treat when you are finished, so he begins to associate grooming with something good. You should turn your dog’s behavior around in no time!
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If the cost of your dog’s high-quality food is a burden for your family, team up with another one and buy in bulk. The big-name pet store chains offer top rated names in pet cuisine at a significant discount when bought in the larger quantities. You can minimize the cost for you and some friends while still providing your dogs with fresh and wholesome meals.
Get your dog spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. Dogs who have been neutered or spayed are also less likely to run or wander away from home.
Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.
Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide them with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.
You need to take good care of all your dog’s needs. It can be a lot easier to do that when you know what kinds of things you must do, so this article can help you. The tips you have learned here should make you and your dog happy.