Dogs are known for being great pets because they’re loyal and friendly. However, if you don’t know how to properly care for a dog, they could be trouble. If you’re wondering what you can do to be sure you’re dog is being cared for properly, read over this article carefully.
When vacationing with your dog, use the camera on your phone to snap a quick picture. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.
If your dog has fleas, and they fall off his coat onto your floor, vacuum them up. However, remember that fleas are pretty good escape artists, so you need to throw out the bag immediately after you are finished. To be on the safe side, tape the bag completely shut before you take it out to your trash can.
Take your dog to the vet regularly. This may seem like an added expense that you don’t need, but when you take your dog to the veterinarian, he can screen your dog for diseases and make sure he is in the best of health. This of course prevents problems down the road.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.
Avoid cheap dog food. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. Check with an animal advocacy group for a list of foods you should be feeding your dog. This will be very helpful to your dog’s health.
Keep your dog warm during winter with the latest in canine fashion and accessories. You may think it’s just for show, but dogs need protection from the elements too! Keeping your dog’s paw-pads dry is essential to their health in sub-freezing weather, so invest in suede or leather footwear and pick him up a coat while you’re at it. Make them instead if you are creative!
Know your dog’s behavior and body rhythms well, to keep him at his healthiest. Medical issues often present themselves in slight nuances early on and if you know your dog, you’ll see them. Pay attention to input and output, sleep duration, energy levels and so forth to keep on top of important issues that affect his health.
If you buy a new dog, set up a vet appointment as soon as possible. As soon as your dog is brought to your home you should get an appointment scheduled with the vet. The veterinarian will set the dog up with the proper vaccinations and give it a routine health checkup. Set up an appointment to have your dog fixed, too.
Be consistent when giving your dog commands. This is an area where a lot of dog owners have a problem, especially when you won’t feed your dog from the table but your spouse will. Make sure that everyone in your home understands what’s acceptable so that the dog will receive a clear message. That will make him more likely to obey.
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.
