Dogs can be big or small. They can be furry or furless. They can be black, white, brown, red, or grey, or even a mixture thereof. They can be happy or sad, and which they are often falls upon your shoulders. If you want a happy, healthy dog, read on to find out how it is done.
You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. A yearly checkup will help you find any problems before they become huge issues.
Much like people in the United States, many dogs are overweight. Having a few extra pounds on their frame can lead to a number of health problems, like cancer or diabetes. Many owners simply overfeed their pets. Talk to your veterinarian about how many calories your dog needs each day so you can adjust their meals accordingly.
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 are pig ears ok for dogs 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.
When training your dog, consistency is everything. You must be consistent at all times. If your dog is not allowed to jump on people as they walk in, don't allow your dog to do it even if a person says they don't mind being jumped on. You should also make sure that everyone that's around your dog understands your rules and are consistent with them.
Your dog needs attention and shouldn't be left alone outdoors all day. Even though advecta ii flea treatment dog of people tend to do this, a dog requires human interaction to feel good. If you only have one dog, he can get lonely outside. It's especially important that your dog be inside if the weather outside is nasty.
If you're having a snack, you may feel like it would be okay to give your dog a bite. Some foods are fine to give, but others really are not. Grapes, chocolate, and caffeine are all things that you should never give your pup. These can be fatal if ingested.
You may be tempted to use your favorite hair shampoo on your dog, but this should not be done. Human shampoo can cause dog skin to dry out. Instead, find a quality shampoo that is made for dogs. When you bath your dog, make sure to rinse all of the residue out of his fur.
Make sure that you are keeping up with your dog's vet appointments. Your vet can identify health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid abnormalities before the problem is apparent to you. An annual check-up for your pet can help to avoid future expense and needless suffering for your dog.
Make sure your dog engages in sufficient amounts of exercise. A dog needs to play and exercise on a regular basis so that it can be happy and healthy. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
Before you head out for a day of fun in the sun with your dog, dab a little sunblock on him! Dogs can get very serious burns on their noses and the inside of their ears, so include him in your sun-protection regimen. Just make sure there's no zinc or PABA in the product you use.
If your dog is covering everything in the house with his shedding fur, grab a paper towel. Lightly wet it with water and rub it down his back in the direction of fur growth. The loose hair should come off easily on the paper towel and your dog will love the attention too!
Never give your dog away for free, no matter how desperate you might feel to get rid of it quickly. Even if you can not care for the animal, it is still your responsibility to be sure that it will have a good life to come. Instead, take the time to investigate the person that you will give it to and charge a re-homing fee to ensure that they are serious about caring for the animal.
Don't try to make your dog too many things at once. When training your dog, he will not have an attention span as long as yours. Limit your training periods to five minutes at a time and be sure to exercise a high level of patience.
Ask your veterinarian about the best foods to give your dog. Choose a diet that is adapted to the health of your dog. If your dog has special needs, the wrong food may harm him. Your vet can make recommendations for the best feeding plan.
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.
Some people like to learn by reading, while others like to learn by doing. You need to attempt learning in both ways. The first was reading this article, which you have completed. The second is starting to use the tips to see which work for you and which don't, so get to it!