No two dogs are alike, not only in looks, but in personality. While my dog may be lazy and loving, your dog may be excitable and temperamental. Regardless, there are a few basic tenets of ownership you absolutely need to know. The following article provides a great deal of advice from dog owners who have experienced it all.
Look into subsidized health care for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, in cooperation with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated for a fraction of veterinary costs at a sponsored event probably close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your town.
If your vet gives you medication to take home and administer to your dog, be sure and ask for ideas on getting him to swallow it. Dogs differ in their tolerance of pills and badly-flavored liquids, so have a few tricks up your sleeve in case he resists. Getting a dog to take medicine is important, but often challenging.
It is important for you to take your dog in to see the vet on a fairly regular basis. Just like humans, dogs can develop health problems like toothaches, arthritis and weight gain. Do not wait until you think your dog is sick before taking him in to be seen.
Your dog needs to be secured when in a car. Not only will it make the journey safer, as it will lead to fewer distractions for the person driving the car, but in the event of an accident, it could also save your dog's life. Look for a seat belt harness, often sold at pet stores, that you can put in your car for your pet.
Before deciding on what type of dog to get for your family, consider space. Even though you may love the bigger dogs that you can really wrap your arms around, you may not have adequate space for a large breed. Take your home and yard size into consideration before bringing home a new pooch.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. Exercise and play are necessary for a dog. They keep the dog fit and healthy, both physically and mentally. Even the smallest amount of exercise, such as throwing a ball, will be good for your pup and you. Not only does it give them the exercise they need, but it also improves your relationship with your dog.
How Much Raw Food To Feed A Dog
Pet-proof your home before bringing a dog into it, just as you would for a crawling toddler. best dog food for golden retrievers need to move anything toxic to a higher shelf and consider the danger that plants may pose if nibbled by your dog. Remember that anti-freeze is deadly and that leaving things like pennies or crayons on floors can pose a choking hazard to curious pups.
Daily brushing for your dog does more than simply prevent shedding. Brushing your pup daily will help make their coat shiny. The brushing motion will distribute the oil through the dog's fur.
What Is The Best Dog Food For Small Dogs
Be careful around Christmas time with a dog in your home; it's the busiest time of year at 24/7 animal clinics! Things like hanging and tree lights pose a danger to your dog, as they could become tangled or gnaw their way down to raw wires. The loveliest of Christmas plants are also hazardous to a dog's health, so take extra care during holidays.
Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little Pedialyte to rehydrate him.
Be cautious with female dogs in the heat. If you aren't, you may have to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. Male dogs can pick up the scent of a female dog in full heat up to five miles away. This may also make other dogs fight and it could also get her pregnant which will make her have puppies from an unknown source.
Consider getting your dog from a shelter. Many of the dogs that are brought there are well behaved, yet the owners could not handle the responsibility that came with raising them. For the best results, visit the shelter a few times so that you can find the dog that is right for you and your lifestyle.
If you are training your dog to not pull when on the leash, you should invest in a quality collar and leash. If you have a larger dog, the force of it pulling might be able to break basic collars and leashes. For this reason a good, strong collar is recommended when you are walking your pup.
Just like people, dogs need plenty of exercise for optimum health. Dogs are naturally hunters and love to run by instinct. Take your dog to the park, play Frisbee with him and give him a daily walk. This will help keep him physically healthy but will also make him mentally healthier.
If your dog happens to have an accident in the house, make sure you remove all traces of it. Start with a professional quality cleaner, and follow that up with an odor remover you know will work. If your dog can still smell its waste, it may use the bathroom in that spot repeatedly.
Dog food isn't one size fits all. Your dog's age, size, and breed will effect what kind of food will best meet their nutritional needs. Talk to a vet about the kind of dog you have and what your best options should be. Food made in the USA is almost always the safest choice.
Hopefully, the advice you've found in this article has addressed any concerns you might have. Even if your problem isn't addressed specifically, you may find that these suggestions can help you resolve your issue. Dog care isn't as complicated as it seems, and some tips truly are one size fits all.
0 
Star