Dogs and people have been part of households for a very long time. It is your responsibility to care of your dog.This advice will tell you keep your dog happy and healthy.
There are many pleasures derived from dog ownership, but it is also a serious financial commitment. High quality dog food, medical care, toys and treats can easily run close to $1,000 in a year. Emergency care for animals can cost thousands of collars, so think carefully about getting pet health insurance.
Your daily lifestyle should help determine what dog breed is a good match for you.For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, a toy poodle may not be as great a choice as a dog that is able to run with you. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, perhaps you would like a small dog. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your personality.
Don’t force your dog eat something they don’t want to eat. If you offer him a treat he doesn’t seem to like, do not force the issue. Learn about your dog’s various likes and what he doesn’t.
Make sure that your dog gets neutered. This helps reduce the probability of cancer and extends the life of your dog. In addition, spayed or neutered dogs aren’t as likely to roam away from your home, which can result in them getting run over by a vehicle, killed by a bigger animal, shot, or kidnapped.
Take your time and correct bad behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. You could end up with a dog that hurts other people, so get a handle on it now.
If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Dogs from pounds are exposed to more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. You need to ensure your animal all of the shots it needs prior to bringing it home.
Don’t allow your dog to leave your property without being on a leash even if you think your dog is well behaved. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. Your dog’s safety and behavior are your responsibility.
Make sure that you’re giving your dog is getting enough exercise. Dogs need routine activity and play time; it’s good for their physical and mental health.Whether you take a dog on an extended walk or toss a ball around, it will benefit both of you.
Schedule a vet appointment for your new dog.The vet will do a full checkup and set a vaccination schedule. You should also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.
Talk to your vet about what kinds of foods you might want to keep your pet away from. Sometimes, your puppy may not be developed enough to consume certain brands, as this can lead to an upset stomach or sicknesses. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.
Always make sure your dog understands how to walk properly on a leash. This will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.
Some dog breeds are more prone to problems than others and so you should know what to look out for in your dog.Research the kind of dog and see if there are any preventative measures you can take.
Ask your vet the amount of food your dog needs daily. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
If your dog is lonely, get him a little friend. Dogs are known to be pack animals by their very nature and usually prefer the company of their own kind. Match them up carefully based on energy levels and temperament so that they can enjoy themselves.
Take care any time a female dog is in heat, unless you want a lot of puppies. A male can pick up on her from up to five miles in the distance! This may cause a fight and it could also get her pregnant which will make her have puppies from an unknown source.
Build or buy a house for your dog if he has to stay outdoors for any length of time in cold weather. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Keep your dog safe by giving him shelter.
When you have a dog, you are going to be responsible for it and will have to meet its needs. The information you have read should get you well on your way to being a great dog owner. Just use the things you’ve learned here on a daily basis and you will have a happier pet.