As a dog lover, you understand the joy such a pet can bring to your life. You will never be alone again, and you will always have a companion who thinks the world of you. It is your job to care for them, and this article will teach you all you need to know.
Be careful with your dog around the Christmas season, and many dangers lurk just under the festive ambiance. For instance, electrical chords are typically strewn about during the holidays, and dogs often chew them, creating an electrical hazard. Dogs may be tempted to eat the decorations on the tree. They may also be tempted by the tree water, which can be toxic.
When training your puppy or dog, keep the sessions short! Experts say that a dog has the attention span of a small child, sometimes less, and that longer sessions will cause him to forget everything you’ve learned together. Use positive reinforcement and limit your training sessions to no more than 15 minutes.
Try always to be aware of how your dog is feeling. If your dog seems nervous, fearful, or scared of certain things, you should take note of this and avoid putting your dog in a stressful situation. When a dog is stressed or afraid, you could traumatize your dog if you insist that it stays in a stressful situation.
Schedule regular veterinary visits. Regular veterinary exams are essential for your dog’s overall health – as, with humans, it is essential to catch any health problems early on. The vet will make sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations and check for any other issues such as weight and dental problems or parasites.
Go with rawhide instead of purchasing an actual meat bone for your dog. Real bones can chip, and fragments may become lodged in their mouths or digestive tract. Rawhide is healthy for their teeth and gums, so don’t share your bones, even if the dog wants it!
Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. This will keep his bones and muscles strong and healthy. 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.
Know your dog’s behavior and body rhythms well to keep him at his healthiest. Medical issues often present themselves in slight nuances early on, and if you know your dog, you’ll see them. Please pay attention to input and output, sleep duration, energy levels, etc., to keep on top of important issues that affect his health.
If he is lost or stolen, have a microchip surgically implanted by your vet to protect your dog. These handy chips store data that can be retrieved by a shelter or animal officer and used to contact you. They are painless to put in and offer peace of mind for the pet lover!
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or wants to be extra nice to him, leave some music on when you go to work. That helps the dog feel like someone is around. It may just be the fix needed for the dog’s anxiety problems until you return home.
Get into pet politics! Keep an eye on legislation that might regulate or restrict your rights as a dog owner. Sometimes, a small number of bad dogs get more publicity than many good dogs. Be sure to voice your concerns about dogs and dog owners by contacting local officials.
If your dog suffers from constipation or diarrhea, you can try feeding the pet canned pumpkin. This is not the same as pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin contains fiber which helps with constipation. In addition, it also absorbs water which helps with diarrhea. Don’t give the dog much, just a teaspoon or two with the dog’s regular meal.
Be thoughtful about breeding your dog. Repeated breeding of a female can eventually lead to severe health problems for both the dog and the puppies born from her. If you plan to breed, do your research first to ensure that you do the right thing for your animals.
It would be best not to let your dog go outside without supervision. It is best to provide your dog with a safe space such as a fenced yard. Inspect your fence to make sure your dog cannot escape. If you do not have a fence, always go outside with your dog so you can keep an eye on it.
If you’re considering introducing trick commands to your dog, ensure that you have first covered all of the basic commands, such as sit, lay down, stay, and come. Although trick commands are entertaining, having a well-mannered dog is more beneficial. Having a dog “stay” when asked will be more fulfilling than having a dog “play dead.”
If your dog ruins your home while you are gone, it probably suffers from anxiety. This issue is prevalent in young puppies, especially if they are still getting used to being home alone. You should find some toys your dog can play with and let your dog have a shirt or a blanket that smells like you.
Once you buy a puppy, make sure to get it socialized as quickly as possible. Your dog can get together with other dogs at the doggy park, groomer, or playdates.
Never tie out your dog on a deck or elevated place wearing a regular collar. If your dog jumps off the deck, he can injure his neck or even worse. Using a harness can help prevent injuries if your dog decides to leap into faith.
Caring for your dog starts with a good education, and this article is a stepping stone to a proper understanding of the species. Thankfully, you have read it in full, so keep these tips in mind as you continue loving your dog. Read as much as you can to learn more about your pet.
