There is nothing easy about dog ownership. Owning a dog is a bit like raising a child: they need love and kindness, but also food, shelter, exercise, hygiene, and health care. How can you ever remember everything you need to do? This article is a great place to get started acquiring dog ownership know-how.
Make sure your home is dog-proof. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Hide cleaning supplies and medicines and hide trashcans in a cabinet. Many common types of house plants can be toxic, so it pays to eliminate or move them.
Make sure that your dog is spayed or neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.
Dogs don’t talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. If you notice your dog is hesitant to meet a particular person or dog, don’t force it. You might cause your dog to bite someone or another dog. You need to keep your eyes open for these signs.
If you are going to taking your dog on vacation, take a pic of him on your phone. Therefore, if your animals get lost, there is a recent photo that can be used for the purpose of locating them.
Be sure to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Taking just a few such pills can have devastating consequences for a dog. You should contact your vet right away if your dog swallows some medication.
Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Always be cautious about dog food.
If you’re trying to figure out what type of dog you might want to get, take a look at your lifestyle. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. Make your dog understand you are pleased with the behavior and expect to see it again. This shows your pup that when things are done right, he will be rewarded.
Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. Shelter dogs could be sick or exposed to different viruses. It’s smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.
When you get a new dog, it is best that you schedule a check-up at the vet right away. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. The vet will check him over and prepare him for vaccinations. Speak with a vet about getting your dog neutered or spayed since there is a massive dog overpopulation problem that you don’t need to add to.
Your dog should not be left outside for the entire day. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. A dog with no companions can feel very isolated and stressed out if he is left alone outside. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.
If your dog isn’t happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dogs generally like to have companions that are dogs. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.
If your dog has an accident indoors, be certain you get rid of any sign of it. Special cleaners and deodorizers are available to do the job right. If your dog can still smell its waste, it may use the bathroom in that spot repeatedly.
If you have a dog but are thinking of getting another one, try to get the two to meet. Some dogs get along better with one another than others. Finding a compatible dog will save you anguish and trouble.
You need to think carefully about getting a dog before you adopt one. There are a lot of ways you can do this and it is simple to be in love with a puppy dog face. Consider everything beforehand so that you know whether or not you can confidently manage it all.
As you can see, there is a lot to know when it comes to being a dog owner. You are ready to be an expert dog owner. Your reward will be a long and loving relationship with your canine companion.