Do you have a dog in your house currently, or did you own one previously? If so, you are already aware of the many blessings that come from dog ownership. However, dog ownership comes with responsibilities. Neglect these responsibilities and you will miss out on many of the rewards of being a pet owner. Read on to find some new advice.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. In theory, giving a dog a kiss is cute, but realize that the mouth of a dog is generally very dirty. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. Keep in mind that an animal’s mouth is full of germs. It simply is not the case.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Your dog could be seriously injured or killed by ingesting a couple of small pills. If you notice that your dog has consumed any of your medication, you need to immediately contact your vet.
If your dog has to stay outside during cold weather, give him a dog house. Adverse weather conditions can be detrimental to your pooch, causing illnesses, anxiety and poor behaviors. Keep your dog safe from precipitation and winds by providing him with a place that is spacious, with a dry floor.
If a dog does something correctly like sitting before you leash them, give them lots of praise and affection. You need to reward good behavior. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.
Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. You need the dog to realize that he or she has done something you like. It teaches the dog that he gets praised when he does what you’d like him to do.
Talk to your vet about your dog’s food portions. Most dog food packages include guidelines but keep in mind that these instructions might not be adapted to your dog. See what your vet recommends and adapt that to how your dog responds.
Don’t get sub-par food for your dog that’s from a bargain store. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. Instead, research which brands are considered to be nutritious. Your dog is going to be healthier if he eats better.
A dog that spends a lot of time outside should have a warm and safe shelter in case it is needed. This is especially important during wet weather. Protect your dog from wind and precipitation by giving him a shelter that has a dry floor and plenty of space.
It’s not that unusual for dogs to cut themselves after stepping on discarded debris or broken glass. Washing a cut with antiseptic and using a bandage is an effective treatment for when dogs get small cuts. If you believe your dog has a deep cut, you need to visit your vet.
As you can see, taking care of a dog isn’t that hard. It can be hard at first, but this advice should help you. With the advice provided to you here, caring for a dog should now be relatively easy.