Lots of people have had the experience of having a pet. If you are a dog owner or looking to become one, there are several things you should know. The following article contains dog care tips that you need to know.
Dog-proof your home. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Do not have any pills out in the open and put all supplies in cabinets. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.
Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Dogs root around in garbage pails, drink enthusiastically from the toilet bowl and love to lick and smell certain body parts of other dogs. Many people believe that the human mouth has more germs than that of a dog – this isn’t true. This is not the truth!
Get your dog spayed or neutered. This helps reduce the probability of cancer and extends the life of your dog. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
Your dog can not tell you what is wrong, so just listen to his body language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don’t insist that they interact. This could cause your dog to get scared and to bite. So pay attention to your dog’s demeanor and make your judgement from these cues.
Make use of hand signals when training your dog versus relying only on verbal commands. When you give your dog these kinds of signals, he may learn faster. Try these things to find out what is the best for your pet.
Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. Make sure the new puppy gets their required shots before going home.
Adequate exercise is an important consideration for dog owners. Regular exercise is a necessity, as is playtime in order to keep him physically and mentally happy. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. This doesn’t just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.
Schedule a visit for your new dog with your local veterinarian. Make an appointment as early as possible. In addition to giving your dog a check up, the vet will schedule vaccinations. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don’t want to make the problem worse.
If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. There are many less than fortunate dogs in shelters that would love to find a forever home. Lend a hand by fostering a dog, and determine if it is a good fit for you and your family.
Show your dog that you love him. In life, it is far too common to give bad behavior more attention than good. This may eventually cause problems. Rather, be sure to give praise five times more frequently than you reprimand. Your dog is much more likely to showcase the proper behavior if you do so.
Make sure you make and keep yearly vet appointments for your dog. Your vet can identify health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid abnormalities before the problem is apparent to you. Giving your dog an annual physical can prevent unnecessary suffering to the animal and unnecessary expenses later on.
Take the dog to see the vet often. An annual check-up should include blood tests and any needed booster shots. A puppy requires more constant vet visits. If your dog seems ill or becomes injured, you must take it to a vet immediately.
Before you add a dog into your lifestyle, consider both the pros and cons of this decision. It’s not difficult to love a puppy when you see them for the first time. Weigh all of the positives and negatives before you make your decision.
Just because your dog’s nose is wet and cold doesn’t mean he’s healthy. It is certainly possible for your canine’s nose to feel cold or wet even if an illness is present. Keep an eye on your pet’s health by monitoring their mood, appetite levels, and how much energy they have. These are all good ways to gauge how well your pet is doing. Your dog’s temperature can be taken rectally.
Even if you have a dog that is kept outdoor most of the time, the pet still needs plenty of love and attention. If he is left alone too much, you may see bad habits start to develop. Also, he may develop aggressive tendencies. Love him and play with him to avoid these problems.
Wash the dishes your dog uses on a fairly frequent basis. You wouldn’t want to eat off of a dirty plate, neither does your dog. Wash them every day, and keep the food and water fresh.
Be patient with your dog and do not push the training too hard. Dogs don’t have long attention spans. Spend a few minutes a day training your dog what you want him to learn.
Ensure you walk your dog each day, regardless of your schedule. Your dog will benefit not just from the exercise, but also from the opportunities to see different things and encounter other humans and pets. That is crucial to his growth and development, so make your walks a priority.
Hopefully the information provided here has given you some useful tips on taking care of your dog. If you simply apply the techniques in a thoughtful way, you are bound to succeed. Read carefully and talk to your vet should you have some questions.