You must take dog ownership seriously. You must check to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy. In order to have a happy, and healthy, dog, you’ll need to learn all that you can.
Your home must be dog-proofed. Take the time to tour your home with an eye for safety before you introduce your dog to your home. Place any meds or household cleaning supplies out of reach, and place any trash cans in a cabinet. Many common household plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog or get rid of them.
Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. Your dog’s actions and safety is your responsibility.
Before giving your dog a new dog food, talk to your vet. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. You should be careful when you are feeding your dog.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. If you jog a lot, buy a dog that likes to run, and not something like a toy poodle. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.
Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
Your dog’s nails should be trimmed regularly. Once they get to a length where they are curling under, this is likely to cause your dog some pain. Purchasing some nail clippers at your local pet store is a good idea. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can take him to the groomers and have them done for very little money.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Illness is common in shelters, and your new pet could be at risk or already nursing an ailment. That is why it’s important to have a full checkup and a course of vaccinations before you bring your puppy home.
Make sure that you’re giving your dog enough exercise. Regular exercise is a necessity, as is playtime in order to keep him physically and mentally happy. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you’ll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. Not only does it give them the exercise they need, but it also improves your relationship with your dog.
Now that you know what to do, don’t wait to get started! Alter your life to be sure you and your dog will benefit. It makes no sense to get a dog if you do not plan to offer it a happy and healthy lifestyle.