Dog 101: Important Facts About Dog Care
It’s a big responsibility to care for a dog. It’s similar to caring for a small child that barks. Even though it’s a big responsibility, you can learn to do it well. Continue reading to find out some great tips for caring for your dog.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. It certainly isn’t the truth.
Choose the correct flea medicine for your dog. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Talk to the vet about different forms of treatment that are safer for use around small kids.
If your dog has to stay outside during cold weather, give him a dog house. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues. Give him a place that has dry floors and a lot of room.
Avoid trying to force things into your dog. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.
Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. The nails can cause the dog discomfort if they start to curl under. Buy some clippers and do the job yourself. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.
When obtaining a shelter dog, you need to set up an appointment with your local vet immediately. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
Be certain that your dog is getting sufficient exercise. Dogs need physical activity and play time; it’s good for their physical and mental health. From a walk to chasing a ball, everything counts. Not only will your canine buddy get the stimulation required for staying healthy, the two of you will bond much more closely.
When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you’ve brought him home. Don’t wait to long to make your appointment. Your vet will administer the necessary shots and make sure your dog is in good health. You should also speak to your vet concerning your dog being spayed or neutered because there is an overpopulation of dogs in shelters.
Always teach your dog to walk properly on a leash. Your dog should learn to walk by the side of you, teach them to ‘heel’. Walking like this can keep them safe and help you enjoy walks too. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.
You can always choose to foster a dog for a few weeks if you’re not sure about making the full commitment of dog ownership. There are many less than fortunate dogs in shelters that would love to find a forever home. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.
Get your dog’s hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn’t get matted up. You ought to use a comb as a means to straighten it before trimming. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you’d probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they’re doing.
Put a lot of thought into the well-being of your dog. In much the same way a child requires care, it is important to have the proper skills, knowledge and tools to care for your canine family member. Though it is a big job to do, you should be able to do it. Advice has been provided to you here to help you meet your obligations.