Make Sure You're Caring For Your Canine Friend Properly

Dogs are great pets, but they're rarely low-maintenance ones. Dogs are like children, where they need proper food, exercise, cleaning and grooming and to visit a physician. How will you know what to do? The tips in the article that follows will give you a great start.

Make your home dog-proof. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you're bringing it to is safe. Make sure anything toxic is put up. Some very common plants are quite toxic to animals, so always make sure they are out of reach.

Since your dog can't talk to you, it's crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. You should never pressure your pet into interacting with strangers, be they human or canine. This might result in another dog or a person being bit. So pay attention to your dog's demeanor and make your judgement from these cues.

Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Swallowing just a few pills could lead to catastrophic health issues for your dog, including a seizure or heart attack. If your dog happens to get into any such pills, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.

Don't give table scraps to your dog. That encourages him to beg and makes him not want his own food. In fact, a steady supply of scraps may encourage your dog to gain unhealthy amounts of weight and set off serious digestive problems. Make your dog stay out of the room when the family is eating.

Consult with your vet about the types of foods that are good for your dog. Some puppies take longer to develop, and some types of food may be too rich, leading to an upset belly or vomiting. Be careful when deciding what to feed your dog.

Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. Most dog food packages include guidelines but keep in mind that these instructions might not be adapted to your dog. See what your vet recommends and adapt that to how your dog responds.

Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. The cheaper brands actually contain a lot of preservatives, additives and other ingredients that can compromise your dog's health. Looking at a pet advocacy group website can give you recommendations of the best food for your dog. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.

Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in cold weather. Particularly if his feet get wet, extended exposure to extreme temperatures causes stress and can lead to health complications. Always protect him from wind, sun and rain by making sure he has a dry shelter to go to.

Get more info tha'ts you need to use these tips to raise a healthy and happy dog. You now have some basic dog-care tips that can be quite helpful. Use what you learned here and your efforts will be rewarding for both you and your dog.

Looking For Tips On Dog Care? Check These Out!

There are different families, and different kinds of dogs. By knowing a few things about caring for a dog, you can be better prepared to own one. Continue reading if you want to be sure that you're taking care of your pet properly.

There are many pleasures derived from dog ownership, but it is also a serious financial commitment. Dogs require quality food, medical care, and general supplies that can vary in costs. Emergency care for animals can cost thousands of collars, so think carefully about getting pet health insurance.

Be wary of the flea treatment you're going to use on your dog. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.

If a dog does something correctly like sitting before you leash them, give them lots of praise and affection. He needs to understand that this is the right thing to do. It also reinforces the idea that they will receive attention if they behave as you want them to.

You don't want to buy the bargain dog food. Cheaper brands usually contain lots of additives and preservatives that can harm your dog's health. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. Your dog will enjoy and benefit much more from healthier food.

Provide your dog with rawhide to chew on rather than actual meat bones. Real bones chip apart and can become dangerously lodged in the oral cavity or digestive track. Rawhide is very healthy and will help your dog develop some strong teeth. Never ever give him a real bone!

Daily brushing brings great rewards - much more than just a reduction in shedding. Their coat will become shinier when they are brushed everyday. The brushing motion will distribute the oil through the dog's fur.

Make sure that your dog's nails are trimmed weekly. It can be quite painful for your dog if his nails start curling under. Try trimming them with scissors you buy at the store. If you lack the confidence to do this job on your own, a pet groomer will usually do it at a low cost.

Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. Later on, it will help that you've fed your dog quality and nutritious food. Even though you are paying more, it will save on health bills down the road.

Make sure that your dog is not left alone outdoors all day. Dogs need to interact with people or with other animals. When your dog is the only one you have, leaving him alone will make him sad. In addition, during snowstorms and rainstorms, you need to bring your dog inside to avoid bad weather and extreme temperatures.

Do you feel more confident about taking good care of your pooch? You now have all the necessary information, so you don't need to worry regarding the care of your pet. Use the above advice and keep your dog happy and heathy.