Dogs are wonderful pets. They are reliable, loyal and often very loving to their owners. Many people, over time, begin to see their dog as another member of their family. Therefore, it is important that you care for your pet in the best way possible to ensure that they live a healthy, happy and productive life. The following tips will help you as you attempt to raise and care for a canine companion.
Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.
When you get a puppy, have him fixed at around two years old. Statistics show that doing this can reduce your dog's cancer risk, which can result in a longer life span. In addition, dogs that are spayed or neutered do not have as strong of a desire to wander from their home, meaning that they are less likely to get lost or hit by a car.
Never give your dog milk! It's not necessary for his body and he doesn't have the proper enzymes to digest it anyway. Feeding your dog cow's milk can lead to chronic diarrhea and leave him with an upset stomach, among other health problems. Stick with plain old water for a healthy and hydrated dog.
Avoid impersonating a medical professional when it comes to your dog's health. In an attempt to save money, many people try to diagnose their pet's conditions or use human treatments on various elements and that can be very dangerous to the animal. If you can't afford full vet care, tell that to the doctor and ask their advice anyway or if they could arrange a payment plan for you.
Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog's life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Always be cautious about dog food.
Know the basics of pet first-aid if you have a dog in your family. Being able to react quickly in an emergency, such as your pooch being bitten by a snake, can mean the difference between life and death. Read http://top16echecs.com/?how-to-sell-dogs-online-and-live-like-a-king-1243007 on the subject or ask your vet to brief you on the basics.
Although the sound may be cute, your dog's nails shouldn't click along the floor when it walks. That's a sign that the nails are too long. The nails should actually just barely touch the ground. Seek the advice of a professional on what tools are the best for giving your dog a pedicure.
Do you have a hard time keeping your dog from barking? You might be encouraging this behavior without even realizing it. Your dog will keep barking if you acknowledge this behavior. It is best to ignore your dog until it stops barking, even if your dog wants to come inside.
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.
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.
It's not that unusual for dogs to cut themselves after stepping on discarded debris or broken glass. If your dog suffers a cut, clean it with antiseptic and bandage the wound. If the cut is relatively deep, bring your dog to the vet.
Check you dog for parasites and take preventative measure. Flea and tick collars are important. Keep in mind certain collar work better in different seasons and geographic areas. In addition, check your dog's ears. https://topdogtips.com/applying-dog-jobs/ are common. Also, check the dog's stool to ensure he hasn't picked up worms in his digestive system.
Do you feel stressed out a lot? Dogs have been proven to help lower your blood pressure and help you to feel calm. People who own dogs often live longer than those who do not. Dogs can also bring you happiness and comfort if you are suffering from an illness.
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.
Some people think it is cute to give their dog alcohol, but it is dangerous. In high doses, alcohol is toxic to humans and even more so for animals. In addition, it affects co-ordination, causing accidents, and can decrease a dog's respiratory rate. Even small amounts of alcohol can kill a dog.
If you have a new dog in the house, be careful with how much freedom you give him or her initially. The freedom to have access to all areas of your home needs to be earned. If you allow your pet to roam too soon, you may have to deal with damaged furniture and other issues. Use baby gates to help restrict your dog's movements, and house him in an appropriately sized crate when you cannot watch him.
A pet sitter is a wonderful resource if you're going to be gone for several days. Pet sitters can walk and feed your pet and also watch over your home. Using one keeps your dog in the environment he loves, while providing him with the care he needs.
Owning a dog is something special, and it can give a tremendous amount of joy to anyone who is around the pet. That said, you need to be educated about what it takes to have a happy, healthy dog. Hopefully, this article gave you good insights to help you take proper care of your dog.