Do you enjoy being a dog owner? Everyone loves to own a dog! Dogs are affectionate, playful and enjoy being happy. They are great companions. You need to be a great companion to them as well, so you have to give them the right care. The following tips will help you out.
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.
Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Pieces can break off of the real bone, which may cause your dog to choke. Studies have shown that rawhide bones are good for your dog's health and their teeth. Don't give in and let your dog gnaw on real bones. Stick to rawhide.
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.
When giving your dog a bath, make sure that you only put on shampoo that is intended for canines. Using lukewarm water, get the entire body wet and then begin applying the shampoo to their face, working your way down their body. Wait a few minutes and then take a washcloth and wipe off the suds from your pet's face. Wash off the rest of the shampoo as well.
If you are a very enthusiastic owner of a pure-bred dog, join your local AKC. They are an active social group where you can share your love for your dog, learn a lot and make new friends too. best grain dog food for golden retrievers can also help prepare you and your dog for entering contests and winning shows!
Teach your dog to be trained, even if you don't plan on devoting a lot of time to special tricks. A dog needs to understand the basic hierarchy of the home and should be prepared to listen and learn throughout his life. Practice the basics like "sit" and "down" in the beginning and introduce something new every once in a while.
Keep your dog's teeth in tip tip condition. Just like humans, a dog can suffer from toothache, gum disease and even tooth loss. Regular brushing will ensure that that his teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. Without regular brushing, it is estimated that dental disease will affect up to 80% of dogs by the age of three. As well as dental cleaning by a vet, make sure that you brush your dog's teeth regularly.
When you are walking your dog in the wintertime, there may be rock salt or chemical ice melters that come in contact with his feet. Once you get back in the house, wash his paws and dry them gently. This will prevent these items from causing any type of infections.
Let your dog know who is boss! Unless shown otherwise, a dog will naturally assume that he is the leader of the pack - once this has been established it is quite difficult to persuade him otherwise! When disciplining your dog, be firm in tone, but calm. Never punish a dog in a physical manner, as this will lead to lifelong mistrust. Also, when he behaves, remember to praise him!
Always make sure that your dog is wearing some sort of identification on their collar. A common way to find a lost dog is to ensure it has a collar with an ID tag. Make sure that a current telephone number and the dog's name are included on the tag. If a tag doesn't feel like the right option for your dog, consider a microchip.
Just like people, dogs need plenty of exercise for optimum health. Dogs are naturally hunters and love to run by instinct. Take your dog to the park, play Frisbee with him and give him a daily walk. This will help keep him physically healthy but will also make him mentally healthier.
Some breeds have inherent health issues you need to watch for. Check your dog's genetic background if possible to determine if he is more likely to develop certain medical conditions. You should inquire with your vet about how you can take care of your dog the right way.
To ensure that your dog is safe, you should try to make your home as dog-proof as possibly. This includes making sure that only safe play toys are within your dogs reach. If you have a problem with your dog getting into your kitchen trash or the things on your counter, you could consider getting a baby gate to prevent your pup from entering the kitchen.
Dogs love the outdoors. For the most part, dogs really enjoy being outside and being able to stretch their legs. Remember this when choosing the right dog for your family. If you live in an apartment, it is not really fair go look at a dog that needs lots of exercise, unless you are planning on jogging with your dog twice a day.
If you have a dog that constantly chews, get him raw hide bones or toys. These toys and treats are made with dogs in mind, and can provide an outlet for your dog's need to chew. You can find these dog toys at supermarkets or a local pet store.
No matter what your schedule is, your dog needs to be walked every day. Your pet needs exercise and walking with them lets them interact with some new people and see new things. These are things your dog needs to grow, so always make the time for a walk.
A dog is a living and breathing member of the family, and it needs to be treated right. With the tips and tricks you have just read, you should be in a position to properly care for your pet. Just take your time and be sure you see a vet if there are any emergencies.