Great Advice Any Dog Owner Can Use
Men have cared for dogs as pets for many thousands of years. The bonding of dog and man has been mutually satisfying on many levels. However, since you’re the human, you’re going to have to be sure that you’re caring for the dog properly. This advice will help you keep your dog happy and healthy.
While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. This is simply false.
Since humans don’t speak dog, we need to figure out how to communicate with our pets non-verbally. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Keep an eye out for your dog’s hints, and do what he needs you to do.
When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. If your dog gets to your medication, you should call your veterinarian right away.
Be sure to praise your dog thoroughly any time it behaves correctly, such as sitting when it is time to put their leash on. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. This also shows the dog that good behavior will earn praise.
Rather than purchasing an actual meat bone for your dog, go with rawhide instead. Real animal bones can chip and pose a danger to your dog’s digestive tract and mouth. Rawhide has been proven to be healthy for your dog. It is excellent for its teeth too, so do not give in to the temptation to give your dog a real bone no matter how hard it begs.
If your dog has to stay outside during cold weather, give him a dog house. Your dog could get sick if he is left outside in the cold or if the ground is wet. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.
Stop trying to force your dog to do things. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn’t like.
When you’re choosing your dog’s food, don’t cut costs by going with the cheapest option. It is best to invest in quality dog 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.
If you’ve been considering adopting a dog but still aren’t sure, you could try to become a foster owner first. There are many less than fortunate dogs in shelters that would love to find a forever home. Foster one of these dogs to help and see if you wish to care for one.
Being a pet owner means you are responsible for your dog’s needs. This article can help you know what you will need to do to provide the best life for your dog. Start using these tips to make your dog happier and healthier.