A lot of people had pets growing up and may even still have a few. If you are thinking about adopting a puppy, there are a few things you should know first. This article has dog tips to help you care for your dog properly.
In the same way that a yearly physical is helpful to you, a yearly trip to the veterinarian is a must for your dog. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. Regular checkups will help you find these issues prior to them becoming a serious problem.
You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. 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 these things before they become major problems.
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Look for your dog’s non verbal cues and react accordingly.
If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. Your puppy needs to get a few shots before you can safely bring it home.
If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. It also reinforces the idea that they will receive attention if they behave as you want them to.
Your dog’s claws must be trimmed. If they begin to curl under, you dog could experience quite a bit of pain. You can always do your own trimming with clippers from the store. If this idea makes you uneasy, a groomer can easily attend to them for you.
Whenever your dog performs a good action, such as sitting or staying, give it praise and rewards. Let a dog know that their behavior is what you wish to see. This is called positive reinforcement.
Try giving the dog rawhide versus actual meat bones. Real bones chip apart and can become dangerously lodged in the oral cavity or digestive track. Rawhide is a great treat you can use in lieu of real bones.
Make sure that your dog’s nails are trimmed weekly. If you neglect your dog’s nails, they will be in discomfort. Nails can easily be clipped. Your local pet store will have the tool you need. If you aren’t confident enough to do it yourself, take the dog to a local pet groomer.
Giving your dog a good brush every day will definitely do more than lower their amount of shedding. Their coat will become shinier when they are brushed everyday. The brushing motion will distribute the oil through the dog’s fur.
Now you know how to care for your dog. Once you put your techniques into practice, things will become easier for you as the owner. Use the tips from this article and find other sources you can use to learn more about dogs.
