Helpful Advice For Anyone Who Owns A Dog
It is not easy to own a dog. Just like children, dogs need to be groomed, fed a nutritious diet, have plenty of exercise, and visit the doctor regularly. How will you know what to do? Read on to find out.
Owning a dog is quite a large financial commitment. Every dog is going to need supplies, good food, and will also need medical care. After all is said and done this could cost about $800 or more. Emergency vet visits can cost a ton, so think about purchasing health insurance for your dog.
If you are going to taking your dog on vacation, take a pic of him on your phone. You’ll be prepared to take effective action in case your pet gets lost. You can use your recent photo to illustrate just what your dog looks like as well as to print up flyers, if necessary.
It is a good idea to use hand signals when you are trying to train your dog, instead of just relying on verbal commands. These types of signals are sometimes easier for a dog to learn. Give both methods a try to find out which works best for your particular pup.
Check with your vet to determine the amount of food to feed your dog daily. Sometimes the guidelines on pet food labels aren’t correct, and following them could lead to obesity. The vet will know what is best for your pet.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.
Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. Even the smallest amount of exercise, such as throwing a ball, will be good for your pup and you. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
Providing foster care for a homeless dog can be a great way to see if you are suited to care for a dog. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Fostering is a good way to do a good deed and determine if you want a dog of your own.
A dog should not be left outside all day. Many people do this, but dogs need interactions with others. Only having one dog can cause him to get lonely. Keeping them out for too long also exposes them to the elements, so its best that you bring them inside so they don’t get sick being outside in really bad weather.
Identification will be great in the event that your dog gets away from you. It’s a good idea to fit your dog with a sturdy collar equipped with ID tags. The tag should let people know what your dog’s name is along with your contact information. A micro-chip can also be installed on your dog.
You now know a thing or two about dogs. Cultivating a solid base of knowledge on the subject will make you into a more responsible, reliable dog owner. Your reward will be a long and loving relationship with your canine companion.