Article created by-Just Kemp
Dogs can make amazing pets. They provide unconditional love and bring joy to their owners' lives. But, being an expert on dogs is beneficial for you and your canine. You are about to read tips to help you become a dog expert.
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.
Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Dogs are prone to tartar build up and cavities just like people. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. It's just a myth that your dog's mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. Definitely do not believe that!
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.
You should only try to teach your dog one new command during each training session. Even if you think your dog is good at picking up on things and will have no issues with that, it is much less confusing for you and him if you focus on just one thing at a time.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Plenty of dogs are overweight, and just like humans, this can lead to health issues. People tend to overfeed their dogs, and many also feed them table scraps.
praziquantel for dogs doesn't need as many calories as most people think; talk to your vet about how much you should feed him each day, and what food is most suitable. A vet will advise you based on his size, age and lifestyle.
Your dog will need a dog house if it is going to be outside in colder temperatures. If his feet are wet, extreme temperatures can be stressful and bad for his health. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
If your dog is a digger, make sure to protect him and your garden. Some plants are poisonous to dogs, not to mention the damage those paws can do to your prized flowers and produce. Put up an appropriately sized fence to keep him out or consider using an electric one.
Your dog needs to exercise regularly. Like humans, dogs must exercise to burn calories, remain healthy, and help their minds stay sharp. Exercising also helps them avoid boredom that can cause destructive behaviors. Keeping your dog active can curb chewing, biting, digging, and chasing urges. It can even help them avoid depression.
Schedule regular veterinary visits. Regular veterinary exams are extremely important for your dog's overall health - as with humans, it is important to catch any health problems early on. The vet will make sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations, and check for any other issues such as weight and dental problems or parasites.
Be a responsible dog owner, to represent the species well. For example, Pit Bulls are feared and often even hated in most places these days, due to irresponsible ownership. People tend to blame the animals when in fact it's the human factor influencing the dog's behavior. Train your dog well and leave a good impression on others!
If you're going to be away from your dog for a short period of time, it might be a good idea to invest in a dog crate. A crate for your dog will provide it with a safe and secure area to go into when you aren't able to watch it for a period of time.
You should not let your dog go outside without supervision. It is best to provide your dog with a safe space such as a fenced yard. Inspect your fence to make sure your dog cannot escape. If you do not have a fence, always go outside with your dog so you can keep an eye on it.
You should be giving your dog clean water regularly. Even if your dog does not drink too much water, you should still change his bowl twice a day. Also, if the tap water in your area isn't great, give him or her bottled water. When it comes to drinking water, your dog should have the same quality as you have.
If you bathe your dog often, watch out for signs of painful earaches that can be problematic for canines. They can happen when too much water gets into the ears. Use cotton balls dabbed in baby oil while giving him a bath, and that should keep water from getting in, even if he splashes around.
Consider the placement of your dog house carefully. Think about the way that the winds typically blow and face the door on the opposite side. If you tend to get winds from all directions, consider a house with a door flap. There are some states that require a door flap, so check with your local animal shelter to learn more.
Make sure that your dog always has fresh water. Water that sits for too long can end up developing bacteria, and this can make your dog sick. Make
black and white dog names that you change the water daily. You can also invest in a drinking fountain for your dog, which will provide a steady stream of clean water all the time.
Teach your dog a few basic commands. Simple commands like sit, stay and heel are important for keeping your dog safe and helping him to become friendly around other people. Dogs can easily learn these commands in very little time, and lessons are available if you need some extra assistance.
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.