Authored by-Dowling Saunders
The uniqueness of dogs is what makes them so special. Like you or I, each has its own personality, likes and dislikes, and temperament. That said, there is some basic advice which applies to dogs as a whole, and you need this knowledge to care for your dog properly. This article details what you need to know to get started.
You may know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but you may not know the specifics. Chocolate is dangerous because of the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous, with a high amount of stimulants. White chocolate contains the least amount of stimulants. Take you dog to vet if he ingests chocolate.
Don't let your dog out of your property without wearing a leash, regardless of how well he behaves. A wild animal may get his attention and cause him to run off, or he may have a bad situation with others and their dogs. You are solely responsible for the dog's actions and for the dog's safety as well.
Research a particular breed of dog you may be interested in before bringing him home. Lots of people make the mistake of falling in love with a type of dog, then find out later that the animal isn't really for them. Chihuahuas, for example, are a trendy type, but very difficult to fully potty train, especially in colder climates!
When training your dog, consistency is everything. You must be consistent at all times. If your dog is not allowed to jump on people as they walk in, don't allow your dog to do it even if a person says they don't mind being jumped on. You should also make sure that everyone that's around your dog understands your rules and are consistent with them.
Don't be upset if your dog does not want to get dressed up. It's becoming more popular to dress your dog in dog clothes, but some dogs just don't like the feeling of having clothes on. If your dog does not relax after the clothing is on, you should remove the clothing to avoid your dog trying to remove it by itself.
Check and double check your fenced in yard for spots your dog could escape through before letting him roam. The most secure method of keeping your dog outside is on a long run with a strong collar, but if you are comfortable that your fence can hold him, he'll enjoy that even more. Just make sure there's no room for error!
Take your grown dog to the vet at least once a year. The vet will check to see if the dog's vaccines up to date. In addition, the vet will check the dog's teeth and vital signs. If any major health or behavioral issues come up between annual checkups, you should see the vet earlier.
Don't forget to trim your dog's nails regularly. Long nails can make him uncomfortable, cause injury to his feet and will ruin your floors. If he makes a "click" sound when he walks on hard wood or linoleum, that's a good indication it's time for a trim. Ask your vet to do it if necessary.
You need to consider your own life when you are thinking about getting a dog. It is easy to want a dog, but it is much harder to take care of the responsibilities that come with being the parent of a loving dog.
How Long Does Dog Food Last
Consider puppy training classes for your young pet. Puppies are eager to learn, and a class is a wonderful atmosphere to let them do so in. Classes are also often cheaper than individual lessons.
https://zenwriting.net/hunter7fausto/taking-care-of-your-pet-dog-tips-for-a-healthy-and-balanced-and-pleased-pet-dog will teach your pup essential behavioral skills and allow the two of you bonding time too.
Keep your dog safe from dangerous chemicals. Similar to kids, cleaning chemicals and any car maintenance substances are harmful to them. These substances are poisonous, so if a dog gets any on them or ingests any, they could get burned, become very sick, or die. Store your hazardous chemicals in a place that your dog can't get to, or keep them in a closed area using a child-proof lock.
It is wise to check your area to find out what the local leash laws are. Many areas require a dog to be leashed at all times if it is not on your property. keeping your dog on a leash is a good idea anyway, as it can be dangerous to let your pet run unattended, where he could be hit by a car, or fight with other dogs.
You need to make sure if your female dog is not fixed and is in heat that she doesn't come into contact with a male dog so she does not get pregnant. A male can pick up on her scent from as far as five miles away! The end result of letting an in heat dog run free is not only an unwanted litter, but also a dog who is prone to fighting and the resulting injuries.
How Long Does Dry Dog Food Last
Check and double check your fenced in yard for spots your dog could escape through before letting him roam.
https://www.newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/2020/12/hiking-with-goats-it-was-so-cool-to-go-upstate-with-them-during-thanksgiving.html of keeping your dog outside is on a long run with a strong collar, but if you are comfortable that your fence can hold him, he'll enjoy that even more. Just make sure there's no room for error!
If you have a smaller breed dog, make sure everyone who touches him knows the proper way to hold him. Small dogs can be easily injured by inappropriate handling and many owners find this out the hard way. Gently lift at the belly from under his front legs and secure him with both hands.
Do you feel stressed out a lot? Dogs have been proven to help lower your blood pressure and help you to feel calm. People who own dogs often live longer than those who do not. Dogs can also bring you happiness and comfort if you are suffering from an illness.
If you have a dog, it is important that you see the vet for a routine check up at least twice a year. Doing so verifies the good health of your beloved family member. If a problem is caught, it is more likely to be less detrimental if caught sooner than later.
Caring for your dog starts with a good education, and this article is a stepping stone to true understanding of the species. Thankfully, you have read it in full, so keep these tips in mind as you continue loving your dog. Read as much as you can to learn more about your pet.