Written by-Byskov Ewing
Some say a dog owns you, you do not own a dog. Once you have a pup in your household, you are likely to agree. That said, your responsibilities in caring for the dog will be great. Read on to find out what you need to know about caring for your dog correctly.
If your dog gets lost, it is very unlikely that you will see him again unless he has proper identification. Tags can come off, so the best option is a microchip. It is quick to put in your dog, and it causes minimal discomfort. Simply register the chip ID after it is put in, and your pet will always have his identification with him.
Your dog needs a stimulating environment if it is going to live a long and healthy life. Providing him or her with one is not really that hard. Simply make sure you take your dog for walks each day, and purchase a few toys that you and your pet can play with together.
When giving your dog a bath, make sure that you only put on shampoo that is intended for canines. Using lukewarm water, get the entire body wet and then begin applying the shampoo to their face, working your way down their body. Wait a few minutes and then take a washcloth and wipe off the suds from your pet's face. Wash off the rest of the shampoo as well.
Do not force your dog to do anything. For instance, don't force it to eat a treat that it appears to hate. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.
Make sure that you trim your dog's nails on a fairly regular basis. You do not want them to get too long since it will make it uncomfortable for them to walk and they may develop health issues. They should be at a length that just about touches the ground.
How To Store Dry Dog Food Long Term
Research a particular breed of dog you may be interested in before bringing him home. Lots of people make the mistake of falling in love with a type of dog, then find out later that the animal isn't really for them. Chihuahuas, for example, are a trendy type, but very difficult to fully potty train, especially in colder climates!
Unless you're okay with your dog playing with your shoes and other things around your home, buy him some toys. He will enjoy having things of his own, particularly if they are interactive like pull-toys you can use together. Also buy him things he can use to occupy himself and stay out of trouble!
What To Mix With Dry Dog Food
When giving your dog medication or special treatment, follow vet instructions closely. For instance, your dog may need a cone and not like it, but your vet prescribed it for a reason. The directions that you get from your vet are focused on the health of your pet and ignoring them can be detrimental to your pet.
Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.
How Long Can A Dog Live Without Food
If your dog is prone to getting burs in his coat, keep a can of Crisco in your kitchen cupboard. Next time you notice a bur, put gloves on to protect yourself and work the Crisco around until you can pry the bur out. Give him a nice shampoo to get the shortening out later.
If you leave your dog with a boarder, there are certain things you need to tell them. First, make sure the boarder has a number to reach you in case of an emergency. Also, tell them of any behavioral issues you dog has. If the dog needs special foods or medication, let the boarder know this as well.
If you have a hard time with keeping your dog from chewing your possessions or your furniture, use a taste deterrent. Most pet stores sell bitter apple sprays or other products you can use to keep your dog from chewing. Choose
see this that does not contain any chemicals if possible.
Positive reinforcement is the best method of training a dog. Rewards and praise will help speed things along, and they work better than being violent. It's just a much better solution for immediate results and for the long term relationship too. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.
Get to your vet 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. You will have more frequent vet visits if you have a puppy. If your dog becomes ill or is injured, don't delay in getting him to the vet.
The pads of your dog's feet can become dry and cracked, so make sure that you moisturize them regularly. Ask your veterinarian for advice on which product to use. Avoid using moisturizers that are intended for humans, because they can make the pads too soft and your dog may get hurt.
It is important that you regularly care for your dog's teeth. By neglecting their teeth, they may develop dental problems like gingivitis, which could lead to an array of health problems. Believe it or not, there are toothpastes made especially for dogs that you can put on a small toothbrush to brush their teeth.
Never give someone a dog as a present. Most animals that are given as gifts eventually wind up in a shelter. This is due to the fact that many people can not handle the responsibilities that come with having a pet. If someone wants a dog bad enough they should be the one to make that purchase.
A dog is a superb companion because few other creatures can match it for unswerving devotion and unconditional love.
Health Extension Pet Food will have to do your homework though, if you want to be a great owner. What you learned here offered some excellent tips on bringing you up to speed on becoming well-versed about dogs. Apply them to become the best dog owner that you can be.