Caring for your dog is a major responsibility. It is even somewhat akin to raising a child. Although being a dog owner can be a difficult task, it is possible to raise one with good knowledge and patience. To pick up some handy suggestions on dog ownership, just keep reading.
While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. Kisses seem nice, but dogs have very dirty mouths. Dogs root around in garbage pails, drink enthusiastically from the toilet bowl and love to lick and smell certain body parts of other dogs. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. This is completely wrong!
When it comes to dog flea treatments, you should proceed with caution. Many have ingredients that are dangerous to kids. Bring up the subject of alternative and family-friendly treatments the next time you see your vet, and always be sure to apply these treatments when no children are present.
Dog training should take place on your property. Don’t train in a park. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.
Consult with your vet about the types of foods that are good for your dog. A lot of the time a dog might not want to eat some brands of dog food, this might make them sick. Be careful when deciding what to feed your dog.
Always give your dog lots of praise and hugs when it does something right. You need to reward good behavior. Your dog will quickly understand that the praise is connected to a certain action.
Make sure your dog engages in sufficient amounts of exercise. Dogs require metal and physical exercise to ensure a happy puppy. No matter what, whether throwing their ball or taking a long walk, you’ll both benefit from it. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
Prevent matting on your dogs paws by keeping the area well trimmed. You should use a comb to straighten out the hair a bit before trying to trim it. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
Listen to your vet when he tells you how to administer medication or care. Your dog won’t like a cone, but he has to wear it. The directions that you get from your vet are focused on the health of your pet and ignoring them can be detrimental to your pet.
If your dog gets anxious about being away from you, or you want to give him a little treat, leave music on while you are at work. The noise make them feel more secure and keeps them company. That might work to appease his anxiety during the time you aren’t home.
Make sure that you show your dog affection at all times. A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog. That could mean trouble later with your dog. Give your dog positive reinforcement every time they do something right. Your dog’s behavior will improve because of your new technique.
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Make sure that you are keeping up with your dog’s vet appointments. Vets can find problems such as kidney troubles, thyroid issues and diabetes well before symptoms appear to you. Yearly physical exams can save money down the line and save the dog from suffering unnecessarily.
Be sure your dog sees the vet once a year. Your dog requires an annual checkup and testing for heartworm, and the vet can ensure that your dog has had all the necessary vaccinations. If your dog is younger, make sure that you go to the vet often. You will also need to see a vet right away if your dog starts showing signs of illness or injury.
Dog care is a serious subject if you are a pet owner. This will give it the best chance to live a long, healthy life. It may be daunting, but with the right information, you can do it. Use the information in the article above to help you give your dog the best care you can.