Fun Things To Help With Canine Care
Are you having issues with your dog? Many people are overwhelmed by the amount of responsibility that comes with owning a dog. Sometimes, you may feel like your dog is a lost cause. Keep reading to find out how to care for your dog.
Medical Care
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Good quality dog food and medical care can cost between $700-1000 a year. Pet insurance can be very helpful since emergency medical care for your dog can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances.
Get your dog neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. Dogs who have been neutered or spayed are also less likely to run or wander away from home.
Try not to force your dog to do new things. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t make him eat it. It’s important to take your pets likes and dislikes into consideration and to not push them into anything unnecessary.
Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.
Vet Appointment
Schedule a vet appointment for the new dog. Make a vet appointment right after the dog comes home. This allows the vet to look him over and schedule the necessary vaccines. Also talk to your vet about getting the dog spayed or neutered – there are already way too many dogs in shelters, and you really don’t want to add to this problem.
If you are not sure whether dog ownership is a good idea for you, then you might want to try being a foster care provider for a needy dog. Dogs who have been abused or left without a home stay in shelters until someone adopts them. Since there are so many dogs in shelters, there are little resources. Become a foster parent to test the waters.
You may need to trim hair that grows near the dog’s paws to help keep it from matting. Comb the tangles out before you start trimming. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
If your vet prescribes medication, always carefully follow the provided instructions. There’s a reason dogs have to endure uncomfortable situations like a cone-collar! Any thing that your vet tells you to do should be done to ensure a healthy dog.
If you have just one dog who spends lots of time alone, consider getting a buddy dog. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. Match them carefully by energy levels and temperament so that they can enjoy themselves.
Be careful with your female dog when she is in heat, if you don’t want her getting pregnant. Males can detect the scent from miles away. This may also make other dogs fight and it could also get her pregnant which will make her have puppies from an unknown source.
Being a dog owner will keep you busy. Being a pet owner can take quite a bit of time out of your day. You have the suggestions you need, now you just have to use them. In a short period of time, your worries will be lifted.