Looking For A New Dog? Try These Resources!

Caring for a dog is a lot of work and you should not underestimate the responsibilities of being a dog owner. It’s not something to be taken lightly. To increase your knowledge, take a look at the tips below.

Use flea treatments with caution. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Talk to the vet to determine if there are other options for your dog.

TIP! Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Research shows that doing this can make your animal live longer and reduce their cancer risks.

Try not to give a dog table scraps. This will make him beg more often, and he may gain a preference for human food. A dog fed on table scraps will be prone to unhealthy weight gain, disruptive digestive problems, and other health issues. Resist the temptation and only give dog food to your pup.

If you have a dog that does something right, like sitting when you’re getting out the leash, you should give the animal lots of praise and affection. It’s important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. This will also give your dog incentive to be good.

TIP! Keep your medications out of paw’s reach. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog.

Buy or build a home for the dog if they need to stay outside when it’s cold. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.

Try not to force your dog to do new things. If you purchase a treat your dog doesn’t appear to like, just try another brand rather than making him eat. Find out your dog’s likes and dislikes and feed him accordingly.

TIP! If you aren’t sure of the amount of food your dog needs on a daily basis, talk to your vet. Even though many people stick to the label on the can or package of the dog’s food, sometimes these guidelines might not work for the type of dog that you have.

Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.

Keep trimming the soft hair near the paws of your dog to keep it from matting. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. If you are not comfortable with this process, it would be a good idea for you to go and get it done by a professional groomer.

TIP! Nip bad behavior in the bud. If you delay too long, the behavior will get harder and harder to correct.

In the case your dog has separation anxiety, leave music or the television on when you leave your house. This will help him feel more secure and provide him with a little company. It can help his anxiety as he waits for your return.

Always take your dog for his yearly check-up. The vet can spot things like thyroid problems, kidney issues and diabetes way before you detect it. Regular check-ups will keep your dog healthy, and may save you a lot of cash in the long run.

TIP! When giving your dog medication or special treatment, follow vet instructions closely. While a cone around the head is not a pleasant experience for your pet, it may be a necessary requirement for a short time.

When the weather is hot outside, check your dog daily for ticks and fleas. Use a flea comb on your dog’s fur. There are lots of products that can help with ticks and fleas. Ask your vet which are best.

It should be easy to care for your dog with the advice found above. All you must do is practice patience so your dog is aware you love him. Read up all you can about taking care of your dog – this will help the two of you to enjoy each other’s company much more!

TIP! Some dogs are more likely to have certain health issues, so you need to know what is expected for your dog. You should do some research on the dog breeds you are interested in to learn more about the health issues they are likely to develop.