One of the best pets to own is a dog due to its friendliness and loyal nature. But, dogs are not simply born this way. You must teach them to behave correctly and you must learn how to care for them. The following article will make you more educated on dogs.
Hugs are good, but kisses should be avoided. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog’s mouth is extremely dirty. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. It’s just a myth that your dog’s mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Because your dog can’t speak with you, you may have trouble knowing when your dog is feeling pain like if it has arthritis. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.
Use flea treatments with caution. A lot of these medications have ingredients that can be harmful to children and can cause cancer. Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.
Train your dog indoors or in the backyard. Don’t train them in any areas full of people. It is very difficult to teach a dog that is distracted by people and disturbances.
It is important that your dog’s nails are not allowed to get too long. If the dog’s nails curl under, your dog might be in pain. You can trim them yourself with a pair of store bought clippers. If you aren’t comfortable with this, invest a little money and take your dog to the groomers.
A trip to the vet should be at the top of your schedule if your new dog’s last home was the animal shelter. You need to find out if they picked anything up at the shelter. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. Dogs need consistent physical activity to ensure they are physically and mentally fit. Regardless of the activity you choose, whether it is a game of fetch or a walk around the neighborhood, both of you will benefit. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.
Make an appointment with a good vet right after getting a new dog. This should be done as soon as he is adopted. A vet will make sure the dog is healthy and also set up a future schedule of vaccinations. Consider having your pup spayed or neutered as there is already an overpopulation problem.
Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. Keep your dog at your side when you are taking a walk. That way, your dog is safe and the walks are better for you as well. When you dog understands the command to heel, you can relax occasionally and walk with a loose leash without having your arm pulled off.
Get your dog’s hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn’t get matted up. Straighten the hair with a comb slightly before you do any trimming. If you’re uncomfortable doing this, you should get a professional groomer to do it.
Always follow your vet’s instructions to a tee. Your dog likely will not enjoy wearing a cone, but the vet prescribed it for good reason. Vet recommendations are for the health and well-being of your dog and failure to adhere to them could result in serious problems.
If you have just one dog who spends lots of time alone, consider getting a buddy dog. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Choose another dog whose energy level and temperament matches your dog’s, and you should have a good match.
Give your dog plenty of exercise for both his body and his mind. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. This will help your dog to feel like he is helping you out.
Anytime your dog has an accident in your home, remove any trace of it. You want to be using a professional grade cleaner along with an efficient odor remover. If you still smell dog waste, the dog could be emptied to return to the scene of the crime and repeat the actions.
There are a lot of factors that go into owning a dog. Falling in love with a puppy is easy, but there is more to taking care of a dog than that. Make sure that you understand all of the care dogs need so that you will know if you’ll be able to do it all.
Were you aware of how harmful vitamins can be to your pet? If your dog eats commercial foods, he doesn’t need vitamin supplements unless your vet advises you to give them to him. Too much of some vitamins can cause injury to the bones, joints and blood vessels. Speak to your vet about your dog’s requirements.
Don’t think that a dog’s health status can be determined by how its nose feels. Sick dogs often have cold, wet noses. Your dog’s health can be judged by his demeanor, appetite and energy level. You will be able to learn a lot about how your dog might be feeling. You can also check your dog’s temperature rectally.
If you or family members are away from home and can’t watch your new puppy, consider crate training. This will prevent your puppy from damaging your home, and he will not use the bathroom anywhere he shouldn’t.
Being a pet owner doesn’t have to be hard. You may not be used to the daily commitment in the beginning, but the solid advice in this article will help you adjust. This will help you become a great owner for your dog.