Men have cared for dogs as pets for many thousands of years. Clearly, people and dogs are a good match when it comes to happy companionship. You are the human, so that puts you in charge of ensuring your dog is healthy. This advice will help you keep your dog happy and healthy.
If you are looking for a great family pet, but are on a budget, consider rescuing an animal.You can get one at a local shelter for minimal costs and the dog will come with a clean bill of health and all his shots. If you are interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group specializing in only those pooches.
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.
Your dog has teeth just like you, so it makes sense that he needs proper dental care. Invest in a dog toothbrush and brush his teeth often. Simply allowing the vet to do it at his regular checkups is not enough. You can also purchase treats that are specifically meant to help with your pet’s teeth.
Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide them with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.
Do not feed your dog “people food”. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food. In addition, table scraps are simply not good for your dog’s health. They can cause obesity and other problems. You can keep your dog healthy and avoid any temptation to feed it from the table by teaching it to spend dinnertime well away from your family.
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.
Pay attention to the nails of your canine. If they get too long and start to curl, the result could be painful injuries to the nail beds and your dog’s paws. Buy some clippers and do the job yourself. If this idea makes you uneasy, a groomer can easily attend to them for you.
If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
Keep your dog in comfortable housing. They should be able to rest off the floor and away from drafts. A training crate is a good choice or any covered shelter outside. Try placing a dog bed inside that has a warm blanket or a pillow inside. Wash the dog’s bedding frequently.
If your dog seems lonely because you’re not home all the time, get him a little friend. Dog’s love the companionship of others and enjoy another partner to play with. Ensure you carefully select your dog’s match based on behavior and energy levels. By doing this, both of your dogs will be happy.
Get politically active for your dog! Watch for local laws that people are trying to pass to restrict how dog owners have to behave and what their rights are. These sort of things typically happen because of a few dogs acting out, or popular opinions about a certain breed. You should speak out as a good dog owner, and talk with officials in your area.
Be prepared to have a lot of patience with your dog during potty-training. Much like children, dogs learn at different speeds and ages and your canine may be slow or stubborn. Have good resources at your fingertips to assist your efforts and remember not to get angry when your dog has “accidents” as that will only impede his progress.
To discourage your dog from chewing everything in the house, combine equal parts of water, white vinegar and apple-cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Gently mist things like shoes and umbrella handles and this should repel your dog. If not, dab a little minty muscle ointment on the things he’s prone to chomping and that should work for sure.
A dog needs plenty of love and attention. You should try spending at least a couple of hours a day with your dog. Play in your backyard or take your dog to the nearest park. You should get plenty of exercises before coming home and petting your dog for a while.
Brush your dog’s teeth every week. Use a child’s toothbrush that is soft, some nylon pantyhose over your finger, or a gauze pad. Don’t use regular toothpaste. Instead, try using a baking soda and water paste or toothpaste made for dogs. Clean their teeth one to two times a week.
If your dog suffers from constipation or diarrhea, you can try feeding the pet canned pumpkin. This is not same as pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin contains fiber which helps with constipation. In addition, it also absorbs water which helps with diarrhea. Don’t give the dog much, just a teaspoon or two with the dog’s regular meal.
When you have a dog, you are going to be responsible for it and will have to meet its needs. This article can help you know what you will need to do to provide the best life for your dog. Use this advice and you’ll find your dog to be happier.
