There are many kinds of dogs and family situations. It’s a big decision to own a dog. Read on to learn what it takes to care for your dog the right way.
It is expensive to own a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. Pet insurance can be very helpful since emergency medical care for your dog can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances.
Always neuter or spay your pet. Research shows that doing this can make your animal live longer and reduce their cancer risks. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.
When you’re thinking of taking a dog with you when you travel, snap a photo of the animal with your phone. You’ll be prepared to take effective action in case your pet gets lost. You can use your recent photo to illustrate just what your dog looks like as well as to print up flyers, if necessary.
Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. He could easily get spooked by something and run off into harm’s way. Understand that any damage your dog causes to other people and their pets is your responsibility, so you need to always use caution when off your property.
When training your dog, use hand gestures along with the verbal commands. It may be easier for your dog to learn commands if they see a visual signal. Give both methods a shot, and see what your pet prefers.
Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
Are you now feeling like you have what it takes to get into caring for a dog? You now have the knowledge you need to ensure you don’t worry about your dog. Keep this article handy for when you need it again.