Are you worried about proper care for your dog? Occasionally a person can become overwhelmed by the responsibility of being a dog owner. Are you worried your dog won’t behave properly? The following paragraphs are jam packed with suggestions on what you can do to help your dog.
Make your home dog-proof. Check your whole home to be sure it is safe prior to bringing a dog home. Medicine and cleaners should be stored, and indoor trash should be placed in a cabinet. Some indoor plants are poisonous, so put them high up.
Consider the situation before allowing a dog to kiss your face. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. It’s not true.
Since humans don’t speak dog, we need to figure out how to communicate with our pets non-verbally. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don’t force interaction. This might lead to a bite to another dog or even to a person. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.
It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. Likewise if you spend quite a lot of time at home you may want to get a dog that likes to be pampered a lot. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.
Correct your dog’s bad behavior immediately. If you ignore it you might make it worse than before. If your dog is not under control, he could end up hurting you or someone else.
Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly. When they start curling under, the dog runs the risk of experiencing pain. You can do this yourself using a pair of dog clippers from the pet store. If your dog does not respond well when you try to trim the nails, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.
If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.
Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. There are plenty of animals sitting in homeless shelters who desperately need a home due to over-crowding and limited shelter resources. Fostering is a great way to help a dog and get a feel for what having a dog is like.
Take your dog for regular vet visits. An annual check-up should include blood tests and any needed booster shots. Puppies must visit the vet more often. You also should see a vet as soon as possible if your dog seems ill or gets injured.
Being a pet owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. Sometimes it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to see to your pet’s needs. But if you know a dog’s temperament and how to control the dog’s behavior, you will enjoy the pet’s love for years. Soon you will be much more comfortable when it comes to dog ownership.