Dog care is a huge responsibility. There are many similarities between the care of a pet and the care of a young child. While it is a tough job, it is possible to succeed by using smarts and patience. The following tips will help you achieve this goal.
It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. You need to pay for high quality food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. A sick dog could cost you tens of thousands! Look into doggie health insurance!
Hugging is okay but kissing should be avoided. It is unsanitary to be licked by a dog. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. It’s an old wives’ tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. This is absolutely a myth!
You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. Check-ups can reveal that and more.
Keep your medications out of paw’s reach. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. If you find that your dog has eaten any medication, you should call a vet as soon as possible.
Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it’s food down, with lots of praise and attention. Let a dog know that their behavior is what you wish to see. This will also give your dog incentive to be good.
If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. Sometimes the guidelines on pet food labels aren’t correct, and following them could lead to obesity. Speak with a vet about your dog’s needs and what they should have.
Offer rawhide rather than actual meat bones. Real bones can chip and fragments may become lodged in their mouths or digestive tract. Rawhide is healthy for their teeth and gums, so don’t share your bones, even if the dog wants it!
Don’t try forcing anything into your dog. If your dog doesn’t want it, don’t force him to eat it. When you have a new dog, take time to learn what they do and don’t like.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Exercise and play are necessary for a dog. They keep the dog fit and healthy, both physically and mentally. Even the smallest amount of exercise, such as throwing a ball, will be good for your pup and you. This doesn’t just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.
You should always keep in mind that taking care of a dog is a lot of work. The dog is similar to a child, in that you have to provide it with everything. It’s not going to be easy at first, but you should have the skills needed now to care for your pet. This piece is a great resource for helping you care properly for any dog.