Article by-Bender Atkinson
Dog ownership is a special thing, but sometimes it doesn't work out. If you want to get the most out of the time you have with your dog, you need to educate yourself. This article will provide you with great tips to help you be a great pet owner.
If your dog is very rowdy or easily excitable, experts recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and confusion of a new area filled with strangers is too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant incidents may occur. Find a great kennel to care for your pooch instead.
Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide them with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Plenty of dogs are overweight, and just like humans, this can lead to health issues. People tend to overfeed their dogs, and many also feed them table scraps. A dog doesn't need as many calories as most people think; talk to your vet about how much you should feed him each day, and what food is most suitable. A vet will advise you based on his size, age and lifestyle.
Make sure that you trim your dog's nails on a fairly regular basis. You do not want them to get too long since it will make it uncomfortable for them to walk and they may develop health issues. They should be at a length that just about touches the ground.
Never let the dog go off your land without its leash, regardless of its good behavior. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. You are responsible if your dog does this.
Schedule a vet appointment before adopting a shelter dog. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
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.
Be certain that your dog is getting sufficient exercise. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. No matter what, whether throwing their ball or taking a long walk, you'll both benefit from it. Not only will your canine buddy get the stimulation required for staying healthy, the two of you will bond much more closely.
Before you head out for a day of fun in the sun with your dog, dab a little sunblock on him! Dogs can get very serious burns on their noses and the inside of their ears, so include him in your sun-protection regimen. Just make sure there's no zinc or PABA in the product you use.
If you have a dog that has an accident in your home, be sure that you get rid of it completely. Use a product specifically designed to clean and remove pet odors. If any scent from their excrement is left behind, they may keep soiling that area.
How To Make My Own Dog Food
Be politically active when it comes to your dog. Watch local legislation that passes to see how it regulates or restricts the rights and behavior of dog owners. These regulations often exist because of bad behaviors from a few dogs of a certain breed. Make sure that your voice is heard on behalf of other dog owners.
Always try to do your training in an area where the dog has some distractions around them. Rarely are you going to be in a situation where you need your dog to obey and it is completely quiet. It is best for you to practice your training with the television on, kids running wild and maybe some music playing.
Never give your dog away for free, no matter how desperate you might feel to get rid of it quickly. Even if you can not care for the animal, it is still your responsibility to be sure that it will have a good life to come. Instead, take the time to investigate the person that you will give it to and charge a re-homing fee to ensure that they are serious about caring for the animal.
Make sure that you're feeding your dog a good quality food. Most dog foods available at your grocery store are mainly made up of grains or corn. Instead of this, you should try to find a dog food that is mostly made of meat. Foods that are high quality can provide you with many benefits, such as having a healthy pup, less vet visits, and your dog's coat will shine more.
If you want to take good care of your dog, you need to learn to think like a dog. Does your pet seem distressed? Think about what you might want if you were a dog. Is your pet having trouble sleeping? Consider where you'd want to sleep if you'd been born with a tail. Taking your pet's needs into account can make it easy to solve any problem.
Your dog should always have access to fresh water. You should always keep a bowl full of water where your dog can access it or purchase a small drinking fountain for your dog. If you have to leave your dog alone for long hours, so not leave more water than your dog needs.
Never punish your dog for being curious about a new baby. Instead, allow your dog to investigate the smells and sights that come with a baby at a safe distance. If the dog is made to feel like the baby has infringed on his home, the very worst is far more likely to happen.
The information provided above will be useful in your daily interactions with your dog. It should help you build the strong foundation that you need. Use this information, and you and your dog can spend many happy years together.