Need Help Caring For A Dog? Read This Now!
Dogs are considered man’s best friends. There is truth in that statement. If you care for your dog and can handle him, you can have a wonderful relationship. Continue reading to learn more about your responsibilities as a dog owner.
Since your dog cannot talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog’s non-verbal language. 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. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Swallowing just a few pills could lead to catastrophic health issues for your dog, including a seizure or heart attack. Call the vet immediately if you suspect that the dog has swallowed the medication.
You should talk to your vet about the foods you give your dog. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Be careful when deciding what to feed your dog.
Nip bad behavior in the bud. If you ignore an unwanted behavior, it is as good as reinforcing it. It will become very difficult to correct the more time passes. Your dog might hurt someone else, or you, so take steps to control him early on.
The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. If you’d prefer, you could have a groomer do this for you.
Playing music in your home when you leave for your job may help your dog with separation anxiety. This will help him feel more secure and provide him with a little company. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.
If your dog seems unhappy and is alone a lot, consider getting a second dog. 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.
Make sure you are providing your dog with the opportunity for plenty of physical exercise as well as staying mentally active. Find ways for your dog to help you each day, such as training it to fetch the morning paper. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.
Remember that too many people training your dog can mess up the training. Be sure that each person working with the dog uses the same commands and responses. One person should be in charge, and everyone else needs to reinforce everything this person teaches the dog.
It’s not that unusual for dogs to cut themselves after stepping on discarded debris or broken glass. If your dog suffers from a little cut, it should be washed with some form of antiseptic and the bandaged. If you think the cut is fairly deep you should see a vet.
It is crucial that you take your dog into see the veterinarian on a regular basis. Dogs need to go to the vet for a check-up, but also to check for heartworm and to ensure they have all their shots. With a puppy, you will need to visit your vet a little more often. It is also important to visit a vet immediately after seeing signs of injury or illness.
When snacking, you might allow your dog to have a bite or two of your food. Some foods are fine to give, but others really are not. Never give foods like grapes, chocolate or caffeine to a dog. These types of food are very detrimental to your dog’s health.
Dogs are fantastic animals to have around the house. The more knowledge you have, the better your relationship can be. Take the tips you learned here to be the best dog owner possible. A good owner makes for a happy and healthy pet. Using this advice will make your dog very happy around you.