Caring for dogs is a huge amount of work. In a way, it’s almost as if you have a child, but your dog barks vs crying. Through the task is a big one, you can take care of a dog with patience and knowledge. Tips about dog care follow in this article.
Make sure your house is free of doggy danger. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.
If there are prescription and other medications within your home, keep them away from your dog. Dogs can have very negative side effects from even small amounts of medications intended for humans. If your dog eats your medication, see a vet right away.
Hand signals are great when they are paired with verbal commands. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog. Try both ways and see which is best for your dog.
Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. Many of the cheapest brands contain additives, preservatives and other things that can compromise the health of your dog. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods that are recommended by professionals. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.
If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. If his feet get wet, being exposed to extreme weather can cause health issues and stress. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.
Avoid trying to force things into your dog. If your dog doesn’t like a treat you give him, let it go. It will take you a little while to figure out what your dog likes and what he doesn’t, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Brushing your dog daily will do more than keep them from shedding all over your home. Brushing your dog every day helps its coat become beautiful and shiny. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin’s oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.
Schedule a vet appointment for the new dog. Directly after getting your dog, be sure to make a check up appointment with a trusted vet. The vet will check him over and prepare him for vaccinations. Set up an appointment to have your dog fixed, too.
Follow instructions from the vet if the dog needs special attention or has medication. Your dog may hate wearing a cone, however it is prescribed for good reason. Vet recommendations are for the health and well-being of your dog and failure to adhere to them could result in serious problems.
Those who want to care for dogs should take it seriously. Looking after a dog is almost no different in the level of responsibility it takes to look after a child. It’s a big job, but you can do it. This article should have helped you with caring for your dog, so use it well.