Are you wondering how to take better care of your dog? Sometimes it can be overwhelming when you have to take care of a dog if you don’t know what to do. Some think they will always have a misbehaved pooch. The tips below give you a lot of suggestions for helping your dog.
Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Because your dog is unable to speak, you may not know for sure when your dog feels sick or has an injury. A yearly checkup will help you find any problems before they become huge issues.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. If your dog happens to get into any such pills, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Therefore, ask your vet the acceptable amount of dog food your dog needs to ensure its health and well-being.
Make sure that you’re giving your dog enough exercise. Playing and exercising are two crucial components of any healthy dog’s life. No matter what you do, whether it’s going for a long walk or simply throwing a ball or stick, both you and your dog will benefit. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
Never leave any dog outside for long durations. Understand that dogs need to interact with other people and animals. Only having one dog can cause him to get lonely. If you’re area is experiencing rain or snow, you’ll need to bring your dog inside to prevent your dog from getting ill.
Take some time to trim your dog’s paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
Let your dog know that you care. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. This may spell trouble in the future. On a ratio of five:one, seek out the positive things your dog does and reward him accordingly. When you do this, you will probably end up with a better behaved dog.
If you’ve got just one dog and he doesn’t seem all that happy or is left alone a lot, think about getting him a friend. Dogs naturally live in packs, and they are happiest when they are allowed to do so. Giving them some canine companionship can have a very positive effect on their mood and behavior. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
Dogs can cut their paw beds when stepping on glass, rocks or other debris. If your dog gets a small cut, wash it with an antiseptic and place a bandage around the area. If the cut seems unusually deep, take your dog to see the veterinarian.
Even if you have a dog that is kept outdoor most of the time, the pet still needs plenty of love and attention. Your dog will acquire poor habits like digging or barking if it’s left isolated for too long. He may also become a little aggressive. Lavish attention and love on him.
Being a dog owner will keep you busy. Sometimes, you may feel overwhelmed with the chores. You should now have the information you need to help you be the best pet owner possible. Soon, you’ll be doing a lot less worrying.