Want A Pet? Read This First!
Content written by-Lindgreen Snyder
Bringing a dog into the home is a decision that should not be taken lightly. If you are considering, or have already extended your family to include a dog, there are things that you should know. Below, you will find a list of quality tips to use to help the transition easier for you and your dog.
Look into subsidized health care for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, in cooperation with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated for a fraction of veterinary costs at a sponsored event probably close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your town.
If https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2021/06/15/two-new-businesses-offering-supplies-care-your-dogs/ take your dog with you on vacation, keep a photo of him on your phone. This way, if you find out that your dog went missing along the way, you will have a recent picture that you can show to people when you go out to look for you pet.
If http://www.pearltrees.com/thehoundheaven or dog is constantly chewing up your furniture, invest in some chew-toys. Scatter them around the floor, especially around the legs of the sofa and end-tables. Be enthusiastic about your offers to play with the chewies with your dog to encourage frequent use. This should eventually deter him from chomping your furniture.
Always be prepared to pick up after your dog with a scoop and bag. Although most people think that this is simply a polite thing to do so that others don't step in it, your dog's excrement is actually hazardous!
It contains a bacterium that can contaminate local supplies when it washes through to ground water.
Keep a leash on your dog at all times. A wild animal may set your dog off and send it running into traffic, or someone could provoke your dog and get injured by accident. Ultimately, you're the one who's responsible for your dog's safety, as well as its actions.
Do you have a hard time keeping your dog from barking? You might be encouraging this behavior without even realizing it. Your dog will keep barking if you acknowledge this behavior. It is best to ignore your dog until it stops barking, even if your dog wants to come inside.
Accept the aging process in your dog and know how to meet his changing needs. Your older dog may require dietary changes, more rest and not be as playful as he once was. This doesn't mean he should be left to grow old in a corner. Adapt to his needs and make his golden years enjoyable!
Lift your dog properly. If you have a little dog or puppy, place your one hand under their chest and use your other hand for supporting their rump and hind legs. If you're lifting a big dog, lift them from their underside supporting their chest using your one arm and using your other arm to support their rear end. Never lift a dog by their back legs, tail, or the nape of their neck.
When taking your senior dog to the vet for an annual visit, make sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is often minimally invasive and less costly. This is a great way to keep your pet healthy for years to come.
Make sure that you can get your dog back by ensuring they carry some type of identification. A collar with identification is a great way to ensure that your dog is found and returned if it happens to get lost. This tag needs to contain all of your relevant contact details and the name of your dog. It is also possible to get your dog micro-chipped.
Don't buy cheap dog food. High quality foods are always your best bet. Though better brands cost more, it is worth it to know your dog is receiving the nutrients it needs.
Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little Pedialyte to rehydrate him.
Conduct tick and flea inspection on your dog during the warm seasons of the year. Use a type of flea comb to get rid of fleas you see. There are a lot of things on the market that will help you get your dog's fleas and ticks under control. Speak with your vet before using anything and ask them what your options are.
Yelling at your dog or displaying any other violent behaviors are not good options. Your dog will fear you and establishing a bond with your pet will be very hard. The best way to train your dog is to use positive reinforcement and simply say no in a firm voice when you catch your dog misbehaving.
Your dog needs plenty of exercise and play time in order to be happy and healthy. Chasing balls, long walks and indoor chew toys will all keep your pet from getting bored and causing problems. Bored dogs tend to chew furniture, shoes, and can literally tear a home apart if left to their own devices!
If you live with other people, make sure they are aware of your training "rules." It is important that everyone redirects the dog off of the furniture, for example, and that they use the same language when doing so. If everyone's rules are different, your dog is just going to get confused, which will make the training process much longer and more difficult.
You need to take your dog for a walk at least once a day. You dog needs the exercise, and he needs to get out of the house. This is an essential part of the dog's development process and needs to be a top priority.
If you want a happy and healthy dog, you must be a responsible pet owner. There are many things you must do and that will not only help your dog, but will be helpful to you and your relationship with him, too. Use the tips here to make sure your time with your dog is the best it can be.
