Many people have had a dog in the house when they were young, or they have one now. If you are someone who now owns a dog or may be considering getting one, there are some things you should know. The following article contains dog care tips that you need to know.
It can be really helpful to incorporate hand signals with verbal commands when first training your dog. Your dog may have a better time understanding you when you use manual signals. Find out the way that your dog prefers and use it.
Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight. Speak with your veterinarian about what your dog’s needs are and what amounts are proper.
Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Bones can chip and hurt your dog if sharp fragments are ingested. In contrast, rawhide has health benefits for your pet.
Avoid trying to force things into your dog. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t force him to eat it. Get to know your dog better to figure out how you can make it happy.
Take the time to correct bad behavior in your dog at the first sign of it. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. Neglecting your dog’s behavior can lead to injuries.
Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
Take the time to train your dog on a leash. He should know the “heel” command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
You can find many types of dogs at the pound, even pure breeds. Lots of dog owners take animals to the pound when they can’t care for them any longer. Call the pound to find ask what dog breeds are in house at the time. It could mean you save a dog in the process!
Male Dog
You need to make sure if your female dog is not fixed and is in heat that she doesn’t come into contact with a male dog so she does not get pregnant. A male dog can smell a female in heat from up to five miles away. As well as possibly causing a fight amongst male dogs in the area, she might actually get pregnant.
ID your pet. A common method to make sure your lost dog is returned is to have them wear a breakaway collar with an identification tag. The tag should let people know what your dog’s name is along with your contact information. Additionally, you can put a micro-chip on your dog.
Dogs can cut their paw beds when stepping on glass, rocks or other debris. Clean any small cuts on your dog with antiseptic, and bandage the area. If the cut is deep, contact a vet.
Set a regular schedule for doggie check-ups at your vet. Your dog should see a vet at least twice a year to make sure they are in good health and that they do not need new 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.
Any dog accident in your home should be cleaned up immediately. Use a cleaner that gets rid of smells. If you leave the scent of his excrement behind, the dog may repeatedly soil the same exact area.
During hot weather, check your dog for fleas and ticks daily. You can also use a comb to expel any fleas. To rid your dog of fleas and ticks, look for products that get rid of them. Try talking to your vet about these products or other available options.
When you’re picking out another dog to live with the one you already have, your current dog should meet the new one first. Just like people, dogs can have a personality clash. If you are able to find dogs that are compatible you will not be troubled later on.
You need to think carefully about getting a dog before you adopt one. Do not adopt a puppy simply because it is cute. Consider all options so that you know you have taken care of everything.
When you’re adding a puppy to your family, you need to have it around other dogs quickly so it can be more comfortable. Visits to the dog park, neighborhood walks, and scheduled play dates are all excellent ways to socialize your dog with other animals.
If possible, avoid leaving your dog by himself for long times. Your dog should be able to spend an entire day alone while you are at work, but leaving your dog alone for longer periods of time could be dangerous. Turn on a TV or radio to give him something to listen to. A pet sitter is best for longer trips away.
Set rules for your dog’s behavior and be consistent about them. Perhaps your spouse is gone, and you want to let the dog sleep with you for a single night. This is bad for the dog, as it will be unable to grasp why they are allowed to do something this time, but not other times. Don’t allow yourself to make exceptions to the rules you put in place.
Armed with the information provided here, you can take care of your dog well. So long as you apply these tips, you can avoid any issues. Simply take things one step at a time and re-read this article if you are unsure of anything.