Dogs require much more than some food and a few pats on the head. Dogs need a lot to be as healthy and happy as possible. But how do you know what it takes to properly care for your pooch? The following article contains helpful advice you can use when owning a dog.
Avoid kisses and stick with hugs. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is. He probably doesn’t mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. Many people believe that dogs’ mouths do not have as much germs as humans’ mouths. It simply is not the case.
Have your dog spayed or neutered. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.
If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. Dogs can have very negative side effects from even small amounts of medications intended for humans. If your dog does ingest some of your medication, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.
Ask your vet what kinds of foods you should feed to your dog and what to stay away from. Different breeds and stages of development might mean that certain brands and types of food cause an upset stomach. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.
Do not force your dog to do anything. If you’ve bought a treat that your dog doesn’t seem to interested in, don’t try to make your dog eat it. It will take you a little while to figure out what your dog likes and what he doesn’t, but you’ll get the hang of it.
When you are getting dog food for your pet, don’t try to save money and get whatever is cheapest. Over the course of the dogs life he will be much healthier if you stick to high quality food with plenty of nutritional value. Though this may cost you a bit more, you can rest easily knowing that the dog is eating properly.
Never leave a dog outside for long periods of time. Yes, people do this too often, but dogs require interactions with people and other dogs for their well-being. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. It’s especially important that your dog be inside if the weather outside is nasty.
Keep a close eye on a female dog when she’s in heat to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. Males can detect the scent from miles away. Your dog could get into fights with other dogs or become pregnant.
The more time you take to learn about dogs, the more likely you are to master the field. Your dog is ready to shower you with unconditional love. In return, why not do all you can for your pet’s health and well-being? Let’s say you were the dog–it would make you happy to know your owner has researched everything about you.
