Is owning a dog something that you may have considered? Or do you already have a dog? If any of these apply to you, keep reading. This article is full of tips to ensure that you have a happy, healthy dog for many years to come.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is essential, but it is not easy. If your dog is resisting, lift its lips and use its finger to rub its teeth lightly once a day. Do it quickly at first, and then draw out the time you spend performing this action. This will help them get used to the process. After that, you can begin using an actual brush and toothpaste.
If your dog spends much time outdoors, it may eventually come in contact with a skunk. If he gets sprayed, mix one teaspoon of dish-washing detergent, a fourth a cup of baking soda, and a quart of hydrogen peroxide solution (but make sure it is no more than three percent). Apply the mixture to your dog’s coat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wash your dog off well afterward.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. It would be best to congratulate your dog when it displays a good behavior, for instance, by giving it a treat or petting it. Talk to your dog in a soft voice, and make sure you praise it every time the good behavior is displayed.
Be careful not to overfeed your dog. Obesity is a huge problem for animals because many dog owners allow the animal to determine how much it eats each day. For your dog’s best results and health, you should follow your vet’s instructions when it comes to feeding habits.
Dogs, like humans, can develop health problems, and because of this, they should be taken to see their vet at least once eat year. This can help diagnose any health issues early on, reducing both the extremity of the illness and the cost to fix it. Do whatever you can to follow this rule of thumb strictly.
Send your dog to school! He will feel more comfortable knowing exactly what is expected of him, and obedience school will help him learn that. It will also boost his self-confidence and, of course, make a more well-behaved pet of him. Call around locally and see if you can sign him up for a trial class and take it from there.
Although some dogs do well on the recommended amount of food to be given each day, some dogs need more or less. Try to watch your dog’s body instead of just going by what your food says to feed your dog. If you notice that your dog is gaining weight, cut the food intake back a bit.
If you bathe your dog often, watch out for signs of painful earaches that can be problematic for canines. They can happen when too much water gets into the ears. Use cotton balls dabbed in baby oil while bathing him, and that should keep water from getting in, even if he splashes around.
Check your dog for parasites and take preventative measures. Flea and tick collars are important. Remember that specific collars 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.
Keep your dog safe from dangerous chemicals. Like kids, cleaning chemicals and any car maintenance substances are harmful to them. These substances are poisonous, so if a dog gets any on them or ingests any, they could get burned, become very sick, or die. Store your hazardous chemicals in a place that your dog can’t get to, or keep them in a closed area using a child-proof lock.
Never allow a puppy to climb up or down steps to prevent joint problems in the future. This is extremely important, especially with breeds at high risk for hip dysplasia. Any high-impact shocks such as jumping or stair climbing should be avoided because their growth plates are still developing.
Dogs love the outdoors. For the most part, dogs enjoy being outside and being able to stretch their legs. Remember this when choosing the right dog for your family. If you live in an apartment, looking at a dog that needs lots of exercise is not fair unless you plan to jog with your dog twice a day.
You have to keep your dog clean as you clean yourself. While your dog will not need a bath every day, you want to be sure to give it a good cleaning at least once a week. This prevents skin issues and helps your home stay clean.
It is important to socialize new puppies early to be comfortable with various people and other dogs from the beginning. A trip to your groomer’s, a dog park, or an excursion with other pets is a beautiful way for your dog to get used to being around dogs.
Brush your dog’s coat regularly. Brushing will spread the oils evenly in your dog’s coat and keep it healthy and shiny. Besides, brushing will allow you to remove a lot of loose hairs, which could help reduce your dog’s shedding. Take your dog to the groomer to have its hairs trimmed if you need to.
It would be best if you didn’t allow your dog to be alone for extended periods. Many people have day jobs, which a dog can get used to, but other than that, be aware of how much time he spends alone. Leaving a TV or radio on can help him feel a bit better. A pet sitter is best for longer trips away.
Can you remember everything you just read? There are many tips for you to take in. You should know how to make sure your dog is healthy and happy. Utilize this advice, and you and your dog will have an excellent relationship.
