Keeping A Dog Healthy Well Into Old Age
Owning a dog is one of life’s joys, but that isn’t the case with every dog. You have to understand what makes your dog tick. In this article, you’ll find suggestions that will help you become a better dog owner.
It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. Expect to spend from $700 to as high as $1000 in a year to pay for medical attention, food and other items needed. Emergency care for animals can cost thousands of collars, so think carefully about getting pet health insurance.
A physical is good for you, and a yearly vet trip is good for your dog. Because your dog is unable to speak, you may not know for sure when your dog feels sick or has an injury. Making an annual trip to the vet is the best way to discover and deal with these kinds of problems when they’re still manageable.
Practice training your dog around your home, where you and your pup can be alone. Don’t train them in any areas full of people. Your dog could become distracted and will be tougher to teach.
Never take your dog outside your yard without a leash. Dogs are easily distracted by other animals, cars, and kids, so always make sure to keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. Your dog is your responsibility.
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is completely healthy and improves the teeth, and therefore is preferable to animal bones.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
You shouldn’t make your dog do something it doesn’t want to do. If you’ve purchased your dog treats that it doesn’t want to eat, set them aside. Get to know your dog better to figure out how you can make it happy.
Trim your dog’s nails regularly. If they start to curl, your dog may feel a lot of pain. You can do this yourself using a pair of dog clippers from the pet store. If you’d prefer, you can have the groomers trim your pup’s nails.
If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Animals from shelters sometimes have viruses or might have already been sick when taken in by the shelter. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
If your dog seems sad and lonely, consider investing in a friend for him. Dogs naturally live in packs, and they are happiest when they are allowed to do so. Giving them some canine companionship can have a very positive effect on their mood and behavior. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.
Help your dog to stay active mentally and help him to exercise enough. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. The training will challenge him mentally and the affection you show for a job well done will bond him to the family routine.
If you want to a great dog owner, you have to know certain things. You can’t just get a dog and expect it to be perfect. It takes some responsibility on your part. Have the best experience with your pet by following the advice presented here.