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. If you want to be the best master you can be for your dog, take a look at the handy canine care suggestions presented below.
Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. Dog kisses are adorable, but your dog’s mouth is really dirty. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. It’s an old wives tale that your dog’s mouth happens to be cleaner that a human being. It simply is not true.
Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by car. Even with your air-conditioning on, the dog may become over-heated in his pet carrier. A simple and low-cost countermeasure is freezing a few gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he can curl up and cool off.
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!
It’s important to make sure that your pup’s nails stay trimmed. If they start to curl, your dog may feel a lot of pain. Buy some clippers from a pet store and cut them yourself. If you can’t do it by yourself, you might want to try the groomers; it does not cost a lot.;
Be prepared for natural disasters that also impact your dog. Have an emergency supply of water and food for him and know in advance if your local shelter for people will allow pets inside. Too many pets are injured or lost following storms, floods and other situations that cause chaos in a community.
Send your dog to school! He will feel more comfortable knowing exactly what is expected of him and obedience school will help him learn that. It will also boost his self-confidence, and of course, make a more well-behaved pet of him. Call around locally and see if you can sign him up for a trial class and take it from there.
Be sure your dog wears identification so it can always get back home. It’s a good idea to fit your dog with a sturdy collar equipped with ID tags. The tag should let people know what your dog’s name is along with your contact information. A micro-chip can also be installed on your dog.
Get creative with your dog’s ongoing training. For example, teach him commands in other languages or show him how to do something that will really impress everyone he meets. He will love showing off to people and the extra learning will create a more well-behaved animal who is happier with himself.
Always make an annual checkup appointment for your dog. Vets can do early screening for thyroid issues, diabetes and kidney problems before your dog has symptoms. It’s best to take your dog for annual physical, since that is the best way to ensure that there aren’t an problems that have gone undiagnosed for a long time. In the end, you will save money.
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.
The kind of leash you use when walking your dog is very important. A small leash that would fit a small dog, like a chihuahua, is not going to fit a Rottweiler or pit bull. Get a leash that will fit your dog comfortably but also provided them with safety.
There are many different things needed to be the best dog owner you can be. You can’t just pick the cutest puppy at the store and live happily ever after. Caring for your dog is a lot of work. Use the tips you just read to properly train your dog and make sure it is happy.