Content author-Vinter Bowman
They say that a dog is man's best friend, and truer words have never been spoken. If you are a dog owner, you know how loyal and loving a dog can be. However, it is not enough just to love your dog. You also know how to care for your dog properly. The following advice will help.
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.
Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide
learn here with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.
Pet-proof your home before bringing a dog into it, just as you would for a crawling toddler. You need to move anything toxic to a higher shelf and consider the danger that plants may pose if nibbled by your dog. Remember that anti-freeze is deadly and that leaving things like pennies or crayons on floors can pose a choking hazard to curious pups.
Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. For example, if you're a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. Selecting the right dog will make you both happier.
Talk to your vet about your dog's food portions. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog's particular needs are.
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it's leashed. He ought to be next to you rather than ahead or behind. He should also respond to the "heel" command. If you walk in this way, you will be sure that your pet is safe so that your walks are more enjoyable. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
Make your own dog biscuits to provide your beloved canine with the healthiest treats. Most commercial products are over-loaded with chemicals that aren't good for dogs, despite adding flavor and aroma. Use quality ingredients and tell your dog what you're doing in the kitchen! Get him all excited and let him taste-test as soon as they're cool.
If you have a new puppy in the house that suddenly begins chewing things, do not fear. This could be a sign that your puppy is teething. To keep puppy from chewing on your belongings, make sure that you have provided him with plenty of chew toys of his own.
Let your dog know who is boss! Unless shown otherwise, a dog will naturally assume that he is the leader of the pack - once this has been established it is quite difficult to persuade him otherwise! When disciplining your dog, be firm in tone, but calm. Never punish a dog in a physical manner, as this will lead to lifelong mistrust. Also, when he behaves, remember to praise him!
Just like people, dogs need plenty of exercise for optimum health. Dogs are naturally hunters and love to run by instinct. Take your dog to the park, play Frisbee with him and give him a daily walk. This will help keep him physically healthy but will also make him mentally healthier.
Your dog needs to be protected in the summer time. It is easy for a dog to become overheated, and this can cause health problems. Make sure they have somewhere shady to hang out during the summer months. Be certain that your dog always has clean, cool water. Consult with your vet about the necessity and advisability of sunscreen for your dog.
Always use a leash when your dog or puppy is out in public. This helps you make sure your dog always stays by you and prevents them from wandering off or getting into trouble. This can also help you restrain your dog if something upsets them so that they don't hurt another animal or person.
When it comes to feeding your dog, make sure that you are using a reputable brand that contains enough nutrition. This is important because there are dog foods that contain an undesirable amount of filler in the food. You want to be sure that your dog is getting the amount of nutrients that it needs in order for it to be healthy.
If you are training your dog to not pull when on the leash, you should invest in a quality collar and leash. If you have a larger dog, the force of it pulling might be able to break basic collars and leashes. For this reason a good, strong collar is recommended when you are walking your pup.
Never give someone a dog as a present. Most animals that are given as gifts eventually wind up in a shelter. This is due to the fact that many people can not handle the responsibilities that come with having a pet. If someone wants a dog bad enough they should be the one to make that purchase.
Keep your dog safe from dangerous chemicals. Similar to 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 punish your dog for being curious about a new baby. Instead, allow your dog to investigate the smells and sights that come with a baby at a safe distance. If the dog is made to feel like the baby has infringed on his home, the very worst is far more likely to happen.
Do you feel better prepared to care for your dog?
you can try this out has given you important advice than will ensure you know how to care for your dog. Put what you've read here to use, and you will be sure that you have a dog that's taken care of properly.