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It is not always an easy task to look after a dog. There are actually many parallels with having a baby. A big task, but it’s totally worth the effort. Carry on reading for plenty of excellent tips about caring for a dog.
Your vet can give you some good advice on what you should feed your dog. Sometimes, your puppy may not be developed enough to consume certain brands, as this can lead to an upset stomach or sicknesses. Be careful when deciding what to feed your dog.
Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Giving them actual bones may cause them to fall apart and become lodged in the digestive tract or oral cavity of your dog. In contrast, rawhide has health benefits for your pet.
A dog that spends a lot of time outside should have a warm and safe shelter in case it is needed. Remember that dogs exposed to cold and damp or excessive heat are far more likely to become ill. Your dog needs a space that is dry and provides him with adequate shelter.
Be sure to address your dog’s bad behavior when you first notice it. If you don’t address it head on, you will discover that it becomes more difficult to control in the future, possibly with disastrous consequences. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
Brushing your dog on a daily basis has other benefits aside from the fact that he will shed less fur on your furniture clothing. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin’s oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.
Solid leash training is a must for any dog. Your pet shouldn’t be ahead of you, behind you, or anywhere that isn’t by your side. They should also answer correctly when you say “heel”. This ensures his safety and will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. Your dog needs to get used to this.
Dog Needs
Your dog needs attention and shouldn’t be left alone outdoors all day. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. A dog by himself tends to be lonely and not motivated to do anything. Plan on bringing your dog inside when the weather is rainy, snowy, very hot, or very cold.
Make sure you exercise both your dog’s mind and its body. By teaching your dog tricks that he can do around the house, such as grabbing the newspaper, you’ll be keeping your dog mentally stimulated. Many dogs were originally bred to work, and will get frustrated if you do not give them a job to do.
To prevent your female dog from getting pregnant, be on the lookout for the times she becomes in heat. Males can pick up the scent of a female dog in heat, and this can even happen from several miles away. In addition, a female dog in heat can cause fighting among dogs in the local area. If you don’t want a set of puppies, keep her away from male dogs.
Be sure your dog sees the vet once a year. Dogs need to be checked for heartworm and other health issues, and need to have any and all necessary vaccinations. A puppy requires more constant vet visits. If your dog appears to be ill or injured, you should make a trip to the vet immediately.
Conduct tick and flea inspection on your dog during the warm seasons of the year. Use a comb for fleas to get rid of them. If the infestation is bad, there are treatments available. Ask your vet which are best.
Don’t let the temperature of your dog’s nose be the indicator of his health. There are many reasons for your dog’s nose to be cold and wet even if the dog is sick. Pay attention to the amount of energy, type of appetite and the dog’s demeanor. Evaluating them will give you a better picture of your dog’s health. Dogs can have their temperature taken rectally.
If you choose to own an outdoor dog, it is important to realize that he needs just as much love and attention as any indoor animal companion. He is sure to acquire poor habits such as digging and chewing if without company for long periods. In addition, it may turn aggressive, which can be very problematic. Keep him happy with a lot of love and some fun playtime.
You must keep a close eye on what and how much your dog eats. You can give a puppy a high calorie diet because this will help him grow. But, adults dogs who eat these foods tend to gain weight, leading to health issues.
Be careful with your dog in the summer. Dogs get too hot very quickly. Make sure that your dog has a shaded, cool spot for hot weather. Keep clean, fresh water readily available at all times. Also, your dog might not like the sun’s rays, so ask the vet if you can get some sunscreen for your dog.
Don’t get frustrated with a new puppy. Most dogs will require about a month to adjust to their new environment. Anxiety may cause bad behaviors and can make training a little difficult. Make sure you are patient and try to help your dog stay comfortable.
Pet care must be taken very seriously. Just like having a baby, a puppy requires constant care. It’s a big job, but you can do it. If you need some assistance, reread this article for advice. Your pet will thank you for it!
