Are you considering the idea of adopting a dog? Do you already own a dog? If the answer to these questions is yes, the following tips are great for you. You will find many pieces of information that can make owning a dog a wonderful experience for years to come.
Much like people in the United States, many dogs are overweight. Having a few extra pounds on their frame can lead to a number of health problems, like cancer or diabetes. Many owners simply overfeed their pets. Talk to your veterinarian about how many calories your dog needs each day so you can adjust their meals accordingly.
If you are interested in providing your dog with the healthiest of diets and making positive contributions to the earth’s environment, make his food from scratch. You can buy locally grown organic ingredients and provide him all the proteins, carbs and fats he needs with no preservatives while reducing the waste from packaging as well.
If your young dog is teething and gnawing at everything, buy him a fun chew toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only does this provide him with a good alternative to your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel better. Most younger dogs gnaw out of necessity, not poor manners.
Take your dog to the vet regularly. This may seem like an added expense that you don’t need, but when you take your dog to the veterinarian, he can screen your dog for diseases and make sure he is in the best of health. This of course prevents problems down the road.
Avoid letting your dog walk without a leash outside of your property, regardless of how well he behaves. A wild animal may get his attention and cause him to run off, or he may have a bad situation with others and their dogs. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and safety.
Brushing your dog daily will do more than keep them from shedding all over your home. A daily brush will make their coat radiant and shiny. When you brush the coat, oils from the skin are distributed throughout, and this is makes the coat soft and silky.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. Dogs need consistent physical activity to ensure they are physically and mentally fit. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it’s just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. Not only does it give them the exercise they need, but it also improves your relationship with your dog.
Designate a family member or close friend to be responsible for your dog, should something happen to you. If you are in an accident and unable to get home, your dog will need someone to feed him and address other needs. Perhaps you trust a neighbor with your house keys and they could act for you in a time of need.
Check you dog for parasites and take preventative measure. Flea and tick collars are important. Keep in mind certain collar work better in different seasons and geographic areas. In addition, check your dog’s ears. Ear mites are common. Also, check the dog’s stool to ensure he hasn’t picked up worms in his digestive system.
If training your dog is more than you can handle, you should consider sending it to obedience school. Do some research to find out more about the different obedience schools in your area and talk to other dog owners to find the best school possible. It is best to send your dog to obedience school while it is still a young pup.
If you are trying to teach your dog some basic commands, one of your first ones should be a recall. Everyone wants their dog to return to them when called for. If you have a solid recall for your dog, you will not have to worry about chasing your dog down it manages to get outside. It should come back to you when you use your recall word.
Outdoor doghouses are not enough to keep your furry friend comfortable in cold weather. You must also provide some sort of bedding for him. Choose from straw, hay, cedar bedding or even blankets. Make sure that you change the bedding often no matter what you choose to ensure that there no bugs move in and mold doesn’t grow.
Make sure there is one policy in your home for giving your dog table scraps. While some owners do not give their dog any table food at all, yet others wait until the family meal is done. This causes less confusion on the part of your dog, and makes meals much easier for your family.
Did you take the time to really absorb everything that you have just read? If you didn’t pay full attention, go through the tips again. When an issue crops up and you know how to resolve it, you’ll feel fantastic. Use the techniques every day to have the best relationship possible with your dog.
