Simple Advice For Caring For Your Dog
Would you like to save a little puppy from the pound? Are you interested in getting a purebred dog directly from a breeder? No matter what kind of dog you want, you are sure to be loved. This is a big responsibility, keep reading to find out what you can do.
Make your home doggie-proof. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe. Hide cleaning supplies and medicines and hide trashcans in a cabinet. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.
Your dog needs annual medical exams. Because your dog is unable to speak, you may not know for sure when your dog feels sick or has an injury. Regular checkups will help you find these issues prior to them becoming a serious problem.
Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.
Table Scraps
Avoid giving your pup table scraps. You will spoil him and his appetite and set up begging behavior. Feeding your dog table scraps can cause obesity and a number of digestive issues. Insist that your dog wait away from the table during family meals to avoid temptation on his part – and yours.
Don’t take your dog off of your own property without a leash, no matter how well-behaved he is. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people. You’re responsible for their actions and safety.
Before giving your dog a new dog food, talk to your vet. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Always exercise caution when it comes to your animal’s food.
Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. Cheap dog food contains lots of preservatives and additives that your dog doesn’t need. You should contact an animal advocacy group or a consumer awareness program to get some recommendations for quality dog foods. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.
If your dog will be outside, he will need a dog house. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Your dog needs a space that is dry and provides him with adequate shelter.
Do not try to feed your dog something they do not like. If your dog doesn’t like the treat you’ve bought, don’t make him eat it. Find out your dog’s likes and dislikes and feed him accordingly.
Avoid leaving your pup outside all day. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with others. A dog with no companions can feel very isolated and stressed out if he is left alone outside. Also, any extreme weather can cause problems for your dog.
Keep the fur around your pup’s paws trimmed so that it does not get matted. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog’s fur before trimming. If this process is something with which you are uncomfortable, have a professional groomer do the job.
If an accident occurs on your floor, take extra care that all traces are removed. You want to be using a professional grade cleaner along with an efficient odor remover. If any scent from their excrement is left behind, they may keep soiling that area.
Now that you understand the responsibilities of good dog care, you can be confident in bringing your new pet home. Keep learning new ideas about caring for your dogs online. Join online forums and mailing lists to talk to other owners. Learning is something that you should always try to do.