Owning a dog is fun but you should not take your responsibilities as a dog owner lightly. You must make sure your dog is happy and healthy all the time. You need to educate yourself about caring for a dog in order to become a good owner. Start by reading this article for some useful tips.
You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Because your dog can't speak with you, you may have trouble knowing when your dog is feeling pain like if it has arthritis. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Don't take your dog off of your own property without a leash, no matter how well-behaved he is. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. You're responsible for their actions and safety.
Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. Similarly, if you're quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. This is especially important during wet weather. Give your dog a shelter that is spacious and dry, and your dog will be protected from the hard winds and dampness.
Regularly brushing your dog's fur won't just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. Brushing your pup daily will help make their coat shiny. When you brush your dog, the oils on their skins are spread, creating skin that is soft, shiny, and healthy.
Don't leave your dog outside all day long. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. Your dog may be lonely outside if he is the only dog in your household. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.
Get your dog's hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn't get matted up. Before you trim, carefully run a comb through the hairs to separate them. If you'd prefer, you could have a groomer do this for you.
If your vet gives you special instructions for your dog's care, follow them to the letter. Your dog won't like a cone, but he has to wear it. The directions that you get from your vet are focused on the health of your pet and ignoring them can be detrimental to your pet.
Become familiar with the medical peculiarities of the breed of dog you have chosen. Research his heritage and take preventative steps for problems you know he is a candidate for. Talk to the vet to find out what you are able to do to assist your dog in beating the prognoses of his breed.
If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. The music will calm the dog down, and they'll feel like someone else is there. Doing this might help your dog get past its anxiety while it awaits your return.
If your dog spends a lot of time alone, think seriously about adding a second animal to your family. Dogs naturally travel in packs and like to have fellow canines around. Matching a dog up with another of a similar disposition will make your dog very happy.
Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical and mental. Teach your dog to retrieve the newspaper or perform chores in your home. This kind of play will make your dog feel like a contributing member of the family and keep his mental functioning at a high level.
Use the tips you just read to care for your dog. You'll get the greatest benefit from making the most changes. Just remember that it's unfair to keep a dog if you don't intend to put in the effort necessary to care for them responsibly.
No comments:
Post a Comment