You cannot take owning a dog lightly. You must always understand that your actions are the key to your dog’s health and happiness. Knowing what to do comes from learning; read the article below to find out more.
Just as you need to keep up with your annual doctor’s appointment, your dog needs to see his vet annually too. Since your dog can’t speak, it may be difficult to know when he is having health issues. Getting your dog checked up on annually will allow you to know if there are any problems.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. Also, dogs that have been neutered or spayed stick closer to home, limiting their exposure to dangerous traffic and other hazards.
When it comes to dog flea treatments, you should proceed with caution. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.
It’s a good idea to have your regular dog training sessions in your own yard or at home. It is not a good idea to train them in areas where a lot of people are present. Distraction ensues, and it is harder to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he needs a dog house. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.
Never force a dog to do something. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t force him to eat it. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.
Teach your dog the right way to walk with a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” If you do this, your dog will be safe, and it will be easy for you to handle. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
A dog should not be left outside all day. A lot of people allow this, but dogs are social creatures that need other beings. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. Keep in mind that your dog can also get sick if the weather is too cold or humid.
Some dogs are more likely to suffer from health problems and so you should know what to look out for in your dog. If you don’t know the type of dog he is, research it so you will know the type of problems your dog could have. Also, see what advice the vet has in terms of helping your dog overcome breed liabilities.
The information is at your fingertips, so delay no longer. You’ll get the greatest benefit from making the most changes. There is no reason to get a dog if you are not willing to do everything you can to make sure he has a good life.