Owning a dog carries a lot of serious responsibilities. You need to ensure your dog is healthy and happy at all times. Being aware of how to accomplish this balance means learning all that you can, which you can do by reading the useful information below.
Be sure to have your pet spayed or neutered. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.
Be sure to keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Taking just a few such pills can have devastating consequences for a dog. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. Similarly, if you’re quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. Some people feed the dog based on their food package recommendations, but these can be wrong and cause them to be overweight. Speak with your veterinarian about what your dog’s needs are and what amounts are proper.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog’s health. Find a trusted group that offers a list of healthy dog food. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. Dogs need game time and regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy and happy. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you’ll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. You can get a lot of much needed exercise and build a stronger bond with your dog.
Love your dog! It is easy to overlook the good behavior your dog shows while you concentrate on eliminating the bad. If that persists, your dog may begin to act inappropriately to get your attention. On a ratio of five:one, seek out the positive things your dog does and reward him accordingly. He’ll behave better more often this way.
You can now start properly caring for your dog. Change your habits to accommodate your dog and you will find great rewards come from your effort. It makes no sense to get a dog if you do not plan to offer it a happy and healthy lifestyle.