Fun Ways To Care For Your Canine
Are you not sure about how to properly take care of your dog? Many people feel that mass produced dog food isn’t sufficient enough to provide their dog with the right nutrient. Many dog owners have decided to something about it. The following tips will help you become a better pet owner.
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. Also, emergency care is a lot if your dog was to ever get sick; you may want to think about pet insurance.
Dog-proof your home. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some houseplants are toxic and need to be kept out of your dog’s reach.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. You don’t know where your dog’s tongue has been, and you’re better off not knowing. Many people believe that dogs’ mouths do not have as much germs as humans’ mouths. This is not the truth!
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. Avoid forcing your dog to interact with others if he doesn’t want to. This could cause your dog to harm a person or another dog. Look out for non-verbal hints so that the dog can guide your actions.
When vacationing with your dog, use the camera on your phone to snap a quick picture. If they’re separated from you, then you’ll have a current photo that you can easily access and show others or to download for “lost” flyers.
Avoid giving your pooch table food. If you feed from the table, he’ll become a beggar and stop eating his own food. In fact, a steady supply of scraps may encourage your dog to gain unhealthy amounts of weight and set off serious digestive problems. Resist the temptation and only give dog food to your pup.
Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. Overall, your dog will benefit form a lifetime of quality food. Although it will cost you more, you can feel good about the fact that you aren’t skimping when it comes to what your pet eats.
Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Fostering will help you become adapted to the life of a pet owner, and you will be making a difference in the life of a dog at the same time!
As you can see, caring for a dog is a big responsibility. There are a lot more dog foods than what you see in the grocery store. Just remember the information from this article and provide your dog with the best possible care.