Helpful Advice For Anyone Who Owns A Dog
Dogs can be big or small. They can be furry or furless. They can be black, white, brown, red, or grey, or even a mixture thereof. They can be happy or sad, and which they are often falls upon your shoulders. If you want a happy, healthy dog, read on to find out how it is done.
Being a dog owner can be very costly. Good quality dog food and medical care can cost between $700-1000 a year. Health insurance for your pet can be a great idea to help you in emergency situations.
Always have your dogs spayed or neutered. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. Also, dogs that have been neutered or spayed stick closer to home, limiting their exposure to dangerous traffic and other hazards.
Much like people in the United States, many dogs are overweight. Having a few extra pounds on their frame can lead to a number of health problems, like cancer or diabetes. Many owners simply overfeed their pets. Talk to your veterinarian about how many calories your dog needs each day so you can adjust their meals accordingly.
Avoid impersonating a medical professional when it comes to your dog's health. In an attempt to save money, many people try to diagnose their pet's conditions or use human treatments on various elements and that can be very dangerous to the animal. If you can't afford full vet care, tell that to the doctor and ask their advice anyway or if they could arrange a payment plan for you.
Trim your dog's nails regularly. If they start curling under, your dog may experience a lot of pain. These can be trimmed at home if you use nail clippers from the store. If your dog does not respond well when you try to trim the nails, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.
When you are trimming your dog's nails, keep a close eye on the tips of the nails. Once you see a pale oval on the tip, stop clipping. Millers forge curved slicker brush is a sign that you are close to the vein. If you go too far, apply a little bit of styptic powder to it to help stop the bleeding.
Whatever type of dog you have, and whether or not you are a novice owner or a pro, the advice you have read here should be able to help you out. When you take the time to learn, as you have today, you really are working hard to make your dog as happy as possible. Great job!