Dogs love to jump, run and play. They like to eat, even when
it is an item they shouldn't chew on. They also love to give you all the kisses
in the world. Your responsibility is to take the best care you can of your dog,
and this article will show you how it's done.
Never leave your dog with just anyone when you’re away. To
find the most reputable dogsitters, Google “
dog boarding near me” for
times you’re going to be gone long, like for work trips, or search “
dog daycare near me” for
times you’ll be gone all day.
Never allow your dog to ride in a car unsecured. Sitting on
your lap or in the front seat is dangerous both to him and your ability to
drive. Always place him in an appropriately sized pet carrier or invest in a
pet seat belt that will keep him snug and safe in the middle of the back seat.
Talk to your vet about what you feed your dog. A puppy's
stomach may not be able to properly digest certain brands, sometimes causing an
adverse reaction. Use care when feeding your dog.
If you notice your dog gets dry skin in the winter, you
probably need to brush him or her more often. Doing so will get rid of old fur
and help get their oil glands working properly. Try brushing once in the
morning and once in the evening to see if it makes a difference for your pet.
Keep your dog warm during winter with the latest in canine
fashion and accessories. You may think it's just for show, but dogs need
protection from the elements too! Keeping your dog's paw-pads dry is essential
to their health in sub-freezing weather, so invest in suede or leather footwear
and pick him up a coat while you're at it. Make them instead if you are
creative!
If you do not have any ear cleaner solution on hand, you can
use a baby wipe instead. Simply wrap it around the tip of your finger and wipe
the inside of the ear's surface. Only go as far as your finger can easily fit.
Do not use Q-tips as they can injure the ear.
Getting a dog on a whim is rarely a good idea. You need to
make sure you can afford to feed a dog and cover medical expenses before
getting a pet. Research different breeds to figure out which dog would be best
for your family, your lifestyle and the size of your home.
Do not make training your dog seem like a chore. Dogs pick
up on this negative energy and will have a difficult time learning if you are
not in the right mind frame. Make it fun and try to look at it as a bonding
experience with your pet. When your dog is having fun, they will learn their
training quicker.
Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a
common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer
months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity
of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little
Pedialyte to rehydrate him.
If your pet slips up and uses the bathroom in your home, be
sure to remove every trace of the mess. Use a cleaner that gets rid of smells.
If any scent from their excrement is left behind, they may keep soiling that
area.
Although some dogs do well on the recommended amount of food
to be given each day, some dogs need more or less. Instead of just going by
what your food says to feed your dog, try to keep an eye on your dog's body. If
you notice that your dog is gaining a bit of weight, cut the food intake back a
bit.
If your dog seems to have a bad reaction from every shampoo
you use on him, try a green product. Most commercial brands of dog shampoo
contain a lot of things like phosphates and sulfates, which can irritate your
dog's skin. They are also harmful to the environment so you'll be solving two
problems at once.
If you're considering introducing trick commands to your
dog, make sure that you have first covered all of the basic commands, such as
sit, lay down, stay, and come. Although trick commands are fun and
entertaining, having a well-mannered dog is more beneficial. Having a dog
"stay" when asked will be more fulfilling than having a dog
"play dead."
Ask your regular vet about the brand of food your dog should
be eating. Choose a diet that is adapted to the health of your dog. If this is
a category your dog falls into, giving him the improper food can put his health
in jeopardy. Your vet will be able to recommend a diet that is best for your
dog.
If you won't be the only person tending for your dog, make
sure that everyone who will be taking care of the dog is on the same page. If
you have one way of doing things and your significant other has another way,
you should sit down and explain the ways and figure out which one will be applied
constantly by both people.
Now that you have some simple tips to use with your dog, you
should feel more confident in being a pet owner. That will result in a happier
life for both you and your puppy pal. Don't stop learning here, instead keep
reading all you can to ensure you're always up on the latest when it comes to
dog ownership.
