Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Dog Advice You Should Not Skip Over

By Sally Byrd


Are you considering adopting a puppy from your local shelter? Are you interesting in getting a pure bred dog? Getting a dog will give you endless amounts of love, whether it be mutt or show dog. You will also have tons of responsibilities, so read all of this article to see what to expect.

Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. Annual checkups can catch issues before they develop into something serious.

Anti-flea products are dangerous. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Ask your vet for recommendations. Be sure to keep children away while you're applying any flea treatment.

If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. If you find that your dog has eaten any medication, you should call a vet as soon as possible.

Brushing your pup daily can do much more than reduce shedding in your home. Daily brushing can help them acquire a beautiful, shiny coat. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin's oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.

Be sure to praise your dog freely and consistently whenever he exhibits a desired behavior. You need your dog to realize that you're proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. It teaches the dog that he gets praised when he does what you'd like him to do.

Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. If your dog's feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.

Avoid pushing things that your dog dislikes onto him. If your dog doesn't like a particular treat, don't force him to eat it. Learn about your dog's various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.

The hair around a dog's paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Straighten hair with a comb a bit before you trim it. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, then you'd probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they're doing.

The daily brushing of your dog's coat is beneficial, in more ways that just stopping constant shedding. It leaves them looking gorgeous, for one thing. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin's oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.

Do not just think your dog is ok because he has a cold nose. There are multiple reasons a nose could be chilly and damp, and plenty of them don't involve illness. Your dog's health can be judged by his demeanor, appetite and energy level. These indicvators will tell you how your dog feels. Temperature can be monitored rectally.

Take care with a female dog in heat, unless you want a lot of puppies. Males can smell a female's scent from a full five miles away. As well as possibly causing a fight amongst male dogs in the area, she might actually get pregnant.

A dog should always be brought to the vet for regular checkups. Your dog needs to see a vet for full check-ups, heartworm blood testing, and for making sure all of their shots are up to date. It's important to go more often if it's a pup. At the first sign of illness or if your dog is injured, don't hesitate to take him to the vet.

Make sure that you show your dog affection at all times. A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog. This may eventually cause problems. Try keeping track of how often you praise and scold your pet in a day. For every one negative thing, make sure you say five positive things as well. Your dog will more likely showcase proper behavior when you do that.

Before committing to a dog, consider the kind of life you currently have, from how often you vacation to the sort of events you engage in. Many people romanticize having a dog, but the reality involves consistency, responsibility and commitment.

When the weather heats up, start checking your pet for ticks and fleas daily. Use a flea comb on your dog's fur. Fleas or ticks can be destroyed through numerous products on the market. Speak with your vet about which choices are best.

Don't let your dog chew on your shoes and other belongings. It is vital to take care of that right away. If he's doing something wrong, say "no" firmly. This will reduce problems down the road.

Put your dog in a crate if you are not able to watch him. This will allow you to be sure that you're not going to come home to a bunch of damaged items. It also teaches the puppy not to go to the restroom inside.

Where is your dog going to sleep? If your dog is in a crate during the night, do not let your dog in your bed. Before letting your dog into your bed, you should be sure that you're okay with this being a long-term sleeping arrangement.

A pet dog can be very rewarding. The more knowledge you have, the better your relationship can be. The advice above has given you a wealth of knowledge, and if you take advantage of it, you and your pet can live in harmony. He will become your best friend for life.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment