Are you a current dog owner or have you previously owned a dog? If so you understand the benefits that a dog brings into your life. However, like with many other things, you can get a lot more out of owning a dog when you know what you’re doing. The tips in this post will help any dog owner improve the care they give their pet.
Make your home safe for your dog. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Medicine and cleaners should be stored, and indoor trash should be placed in a cabinet. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. Dogs are prone to tartar build up and cavities just like people. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. There is an old wives’ tale that says that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. Definitely do not believe that!
Make sure to keep prescription drugs out of the reach of your dogs. Your dog could be seriously injured or killed by ingesting a couple of small pills. If your dog eats your medication, see a vet right away.
Some people believe that you should avoid giving your pooch table food. Feeding a dog from the table only reinforces begging. The dog will also be less likely to eat its normal food. Depending on the food some “People food” can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. Keep your dog away from the family dinner table for training purposes and to avoid any temptation.
If you are teaching your dog, do it at home. It’s never good to try and train your pet when there are quite a few people around. This may distract your pet which will make it a lot harder to teach it even basic things.
Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Always be cautious about dog food.
Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. You and your dog will both be happier if you are a perfect match.
Always give your dog lots of praise and hugs when it does something right. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. This also shows the dog that good behavior will earn praise.
If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. Ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure which brands are best for your dog or need help with quantities.
Don’t force your dog to eat something. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t make him eat it. A dog is likely to know more about what is good for their stomach than you do. Learn about your dog’s various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly. If they start to curl under then your dog may start to feel pain. You can purchase clippers and do this at home. If your dog does not respond well when you try to trim the nails, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.
If you’re the owner of a lone, lonely dog, you should consider getting a second pooch especially if you are gone from home a lot; like to work all day. The company could do your pet a lot of good. Find another dog that has the same energy levels and temperament and you’ll be sure to find something your dog will love!
As this post discussed earlier, dog ownership can be a rewarding endeavor. When you know all you can about dogs, the rewards are even greater! Given your familiarity with the above piece, you ought to have a real feel for dogs. Have fun with your dog by using the above advice.
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