Is there anything about looking after your dog that is troubling you? The many responsibilities of dog ownership can be overwhelming to a lot of first-time owners. For other dog owners, curbing their pets’ independent streak seems impossible. The tips below give you a lot of suggestions for helping your dog.
Having a dog at your home is a big financial commitment. Every dog requires good quality food, general supplies and medical care; this can range in cost from $700 to $1000 per year. A sick dog could cost you tens of thousands! Look into doggie health insurance!
It’s a great idea to keep a snap-shot of your dog handy (a digital pic on your phone is ideal) whenever you’re traveling with him. If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you have a current picture that you can show others or use to make “lost” posters.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. If your pet does manage to ingest some medicine, contact the vet right away.
Watch out for dog flea treatments. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Ask the vet about flea powders and other products that are less hazardous for kids.
Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
When a dog behaves badly, correct him immediately. If you let it fester it can only make the problem much worse and eventually the dog becomes extremely difficult to train. Not only will it be difficult to curb the bad behavior, he can pose physical harm to you or someone you love.
When obtaining a shelter dog, you need to set up an appointment with your local vet immediately. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.
Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. 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. This will create a great bond with your dog when performing these activities.
Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. Do this as soon as your dog arrives at your doorstep. Your dog will get a vaccination schedule and a checkup. 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.
Follow through according to your vet’s suggestions if your dog needs something special or has medicine. They may not like their cone, but they need it for a purpose. If you fail to listen to your vet, your dog may end up sick or injured.
Health Issues
Some dogs are more likely to have certain health issues, so you need to know what is expected for your dog. You should do some research on the dog breeds you are interested in to learn more about the health issues they are likely to develop. Also, seek advice from your vet.
Be sure your dog wears identification so it can always get back home. A good way to ensure your dog is returned if he is lost is to attach an identification tag to his collar. The tag needs to have your name and phone number on it. Another option is to have a micro-chip put on your dog.
Be very careful when choosing your dog’s food. There are many kinds of foods you can pick, but the one you choose should fit with your dog’s size and age. Also, avoid giving your pet table scraps. They are unhealthy for him.
When you’re beginning training, experiment with various reward systems. You need to figure out what motivates your particular animal. If your dog is food driven, try using small pieces of hot dogs as a reward. Dogs that are more responsive to some play time can be rewarded with a game of catch. Pet your dog if this is something he enjoys.
There are a lot of responsibilities that come with owning a dog. Your pet’s care becomes a full-time position. This article puts you in the best position to succeed. Soon you won’t have to worry as much.