Article created by-Jensen Reimer
When you own a dog, you will understand why people consider them a part of the family instead of just a pet. As they gaze lovingly at you with their big, glistening eyes, your heart will melt. Your wallet will also become much lighter thanks to everything you need to care for them properly! This article will help you learn what dog ownership means for you and how to do it right.
Never allow your dog to ride in a car unsecured. Sitting on your lap or in the front seat is dangerous both to him and your ability to drive. Always place him in an appropriately sized pet carrier or invest in a pet seat belt that will keep him snug and safe in the middle of the back seat.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he or she may eventually come in contact with a skunk. If he gets sprayed, mix together one teaspoon of dish-washing detergent, a fourth a cup of baking soda and a quart of hydrogen peroxide solution (but make sure it is no more than three percent). Apply the mixture to your dog's coat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wash your dog off well afterward.
Let your dog have rawhide rather than bones from the meat you eat. Real bones can chip and splinter, this can cause your dog to choke and wreak havoc on his digestive tract. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.
How Long Do You Feed A Dog Puppy Food
Talk to your vet about what you feed your dog. Keep in mind that a young puppy's stomach is not ready for certain foods. Err on the side of caution when feeding food to your dog.
In order to make sure that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to have access to clean water at all times during the day. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important components. The only exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy for three hours before bedtime.
When it comes to buying food for your dog, don't skimp by buying the cheap stuff. In the long term, it's crucial to feed healthy, high-quality food to your dog. While this may mean paying higher prices for a premium brand, you can be assured your dog is getting the proper nutrients from wholesome sources.
To make your dog happy and increase the bond between you, try learning how to give him a massage! It's been shown in recent studies that structured massages are highly beneficial to a dog's health and can improve their overall well-being. This activity can also be very relaxing for you as well.
What Is The Best Dog Food Recommended By Vets
To protect your dog in the event he is lost or stolen, have a microchip surgically implanted by your vet. These handy chips store data that can be retrieved by a shelter or animal officer and used to contact you. They are painless to put in and offer peace of mind for the pet lover!
Take the dog to see the vet often. Your dog should see a vet for check-ups, blood tests and to ensure they're up to date with vaccinations. You will have more frequent vet visits if you have a puppy. If your dog appears to be ill or injured, you should make a trip to the vet immediately.
It is essential that you get your dog vaccinated. Vaccinations will protect your dog from different types of illness and diseases. Most vaccinations are done at your dogs yearly check-up. Your vet can explain what each vaccination is for. The rabies vaccine is required by law in many different states.
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.
Rely on positive reinforcement when you train your dog. Praise and rewards will help the dog learn faster than dominance and violence. Using humane training tactics will be healthier for the dog and will be much more effective. Therefore, be kind during training; you are going to get better and quicker results.
Before you decide to go get a dog you should think about the individual needs of different breeds of dogs. Some dogs can get enough exercise in the home, while others may need a few hours outside each day. These factors can mean a lot when it comes to meeting the needs of your new family member.
Don't judge the health of your dog by his wet, cold nose. A cold and wet nose may be a healthy one. The overall amount of energy your dog has, its eating habits, and its general behavior are what you should watch. These are more reliable signals of your dog's health. A dog's temperature is checked using a rectal thermometer.
If you're considering introducing trick commands to your dog, make sure that you have first covered all of the basic commands, such as sit, lay down, stay, and come. Although trick commands are fun and entertaining, having a well mannered dog is more beneficial. Having a dog "stay" when asked will be more fulfilling than having a dog "play dead."
Buy a good quality leash. Make sure that the leash is the proper size and strength for your dog. For example, a lightweight nylon leash would be suitable for a smaller dog but not strong enough for a larger breed such as a labrador. If your dog has a tendency to pull, a harness is a great way of correcting this instinct.
Never tie out your dog on a deck or elevated place wearing a regular collar. If your dog happens to jump off of the deck, he can end up injuring his neck or even worse. Using a harness can help prevent injuries from happening, in the event that your dog decides to take a leap of faith.
You now know a thing or two about dogs. Starting with these techniques, you can keep learning more and become an experienced dog owner. Using these suggestions, treat your dog right!