Caring for dogs is a lot of work. It’s almost like you have a small child that barks.While taking care of your dog is a lot of work, it is possible to succeed by using smarts and patience. Keep reading for some useful dog ownership advice.
Hugs are good, but kisses should be avoided. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. Dogs rummage through trash, drink toilet water and lick other dog’s body parts. It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. This is absolutely a myth!
Make sure your home is safe for your dog. It should be perfectly safe before you try to foresee any problems your dog in. Make sure anything toxic is put away and the cleaning supplies are up and safe. Some common house plants that are toxic and need to be kept out of your home.
Your dog can not tell you what is wrong, you must learn its non-verbal language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don’t force them to meet. This could cause your dog or person to get bit. Look for non-verbal hints so that the dog is telling you.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. If they’re separated from you, then you’ll have a current photo that you can easily access and show others or to download for “lost” flyers.
If your dog is coming along on a family vacation, take a photo of him on your phone. This allows you to have a photo of him if he get lost.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, make sure your dog cannot access it. Call your vet as soon as possible if you suspect that the dog swallows any pills.
Talk to your vet about how much your dog should eat. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
Be wary when it comes to flea treatments to use for your dog. A lot of these medications have ingredients that might be bad for kids! Talk to the vet about safer for use around small kids.
Your daily lifestyle should help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. For example, if you are athletic, you might want an active dog, not a toy-poodle. If you prefer to stay at home, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. You should find a choice that fits well with your lifestyle.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Give him a place that has dry floors and a lot of room.
If your dog seems lonely because you’re not home all the time, consider buying a second dog. Dogs are known to be pack animals and this means they enjoy being around one another. Match them up carefully by energy levels and temperament.
Everyone trains differently, and too many commanders may confuse your dog.
Nip bad behavior in the bud. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road. Your dog might hurt someone else, or you, so take steps to control him early on.
You might feel the urge to feed your dog a bite of whatever you’re having. You can do this with some foods, but not others. Dogs should never be given caffeine, grapes, for instance. They can make you dog seriously ill or even cause him to become very sick.
It is important that you think long and hard before you decide to make a dog a part of your life. There is a lot involved and it’s too simple to fall for a puppy dog face. Consider everything beforehand so that you know you have taken care of everything.
The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. A comb should be used first to straighten it before you do any cutting. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take your dog to a groomer.
Were you aware of how harmful vitamins are not good for your dog? Your dog doesn’t need vitamins in addition to eating right.Too many vitamins can damage his body, bones, joints and blood vessels. Speak with the vet before starting your dog’s vitamin regimen.
You may really want a dog; however, but there are lots of hard responsibilities that are involved in being a great dog owner.
If you have to go out, leave the TV or radio on when you leave. This will help him feel more secure and provide him with a little company. This little touch can help your dog feel less anxious as he awaits your return.
Dog care is not something that should be taken lightly. In the same vane as caring for a child, a dog must be properly cared for if they are to live a healthy life. It may be daunting, but with the right information, you can do it. You have this article to help you if you need it, so take care of your dog.