Article writer-Steenberg Keith
A dog is much like a child in that you have to care for him night and day. At the same time, your dog can't talk back, nor can he draw on the walls. While kids and dogs each have their own pros and cons, this article only discusses how to care for your dog.
You must dog-proof your residence. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe. All cleaning supplies and medications should be moved out of reach of your dog. You should also find a way of securing your trash somewhere that your dog cannot get to, such as in a cabinet. Some indoor plants are poisonous, so put them high up.
Your dog has teeth just like you, so it makes sense that he needs proper dental care. Invest in a dog toothbrush and brush his teeth often. Simply allowing the vet to do it at his regular checkups is not enough. You can also purchase treats that are specifically meant to help with your pet's teeth.
When you have a dog, make sure that you give him enough water. Water should be made available to your dog at all times of the day, particularly in the summertime. Put his water bowl somewhere where no one will trip over it, otherwise you'll be cleaning your floors all day!
How Long Can You Leave Wet Dog Food Out
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!
If training has become routine and boring with your dog, consider introducing agility exercises into the mix. These will still teach your dog to obey and be challenging, but they tend to be a lot more fun than the regular commands. Get the whole family involved by making an obstacle course and working the dog through it frequently.
Remember that dogs are creatures of habit and anything you start with him will be expected in the future. If you're not keen on him sleeping with you, don't let him do it only on occasion. Likewise, if you don't want him begging at the table, never offer him a bite of people food. He will learn and accept things if you are consistent.
Dogs paws can be damaged by walking through areas that are rife with debris and broken glass. If you spot a cut on your dog's paw, clean it using an antiseptic before bandaging the cut. Deep or serious wounds must be seen by a vet.
When To Switch From Puppy Food To Dog Food
Dogs, like humans, can develop health problems, and because of this they should be taken to see their vet at least once eat year. This can help to diagnosis any health issues early on, reducing both the extremity of the illness and the cost to fix it. Do whatever you can to follow this rule of thumb strictly.
When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you've brought him home. Schedule a visit with the vet right away. The veterinarian will make sure your pet is as healthy as you think he is and also talk to you about vaccinations. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.
How To Make Dry Dog Food
Keep your dog in comfortable housing. They should be able to rest off the floor and away from drafts. A training crate is a good choice or any covered shelter outside. Try placing a dog bed inside that has a warm blanket or a pillow inside. Wash the dog's bedding frequently.
Use an olive oil spray to keep your dog's dish sparkling clean. Particularly if you feed him canned food, it can quickly cake-up and dry on the inside of the bowl, making it hard to wash later. As a bonus, the olive oil will help to keep his coat shiny too.
If you have a snack, you might think that it's okay for your dog to take a bite. While some foods are fine for sharing with your dog, there are some that must be avoided. Chocolate and other highly caffeinated treats, as well as grapes, are examples of poor treat choices that shouldn't be shared with your pet. They can make you dog seriously ill or even cause death if enough is ingested.
Punish your dog carefully. You should never punish your dog for a mischief that happened more than fifteen minutes ago since your dog will probably not establish a connection between the punishment and the bad behavior. If you catch your dog misbehaving, say no in a firm voice and have your dog sit in a corner for a few minutes.
A dog needs plenty of love and attention. You should try spending at least a couple of hours a day with your dog. Play in your backyard or take your dog to the nearest park. You should get plenty of exercises before coming home and petting your dog for a while.
Consider
Best Dog Food For Pet Rats of your dog house carefully. Think about the way that the winds typically blow and face the door on the opposite side. If you tend to get winds from all directions, consider a house with a door flap. There are some states that require a door flap, so check with your local animal shelter to learn more.
Regardless of your schedule, you should find time to walk your dog every day. Your pet requires both exercise and the companionship that walking it provides. That is essential to development and growth, so prioritize walks.
Before you add a dog into your lifestyle, consider both the pros and cons of this decision. There are a lot of ways you can do this and it is simple to be in love with a puppy dog face. Use that time to consider this so you make sure you are making the right choice. q
While perfection is elusive, the simple ideas you have read here are easy to implement, bringing benefits immediately. When you have more questions, seek out the answers online on forums or by reading other articles. As long as you continue to try to be the best dog owner you can, you will achieve it every day.