Dogs are a great source of happiness for people, if they are well cared for. If you want your dog to be healthy and happy, then you must learn to help them with what they need. Continue reading to find out some great advice concerning your relationship with your dog.
An annual checkup at the vet is a great idea for your dog. Your dog can’t speak to tell you he’s in pain. Getting your dog checked up on annually will allow you to know if there are any problems.
Whenever you travel with your pet, don’t skimp on the packing. Of course you need to be well supplied with his food, water and any medications he may be on, but experts advise that you also bring his grooming supplies, vaccination paperwork, tags and an extra leash. Also, bring a flat sheet for when your dog will be on hotel furniture.
If there are prescription and other medications within your home, keep them away from your dog. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. If your dog does ingest some of your medication, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.
If you are struggling to get your pet to behave during a grooming session, apply positive reinforcement. With your words and your tone, praise your dog for anything little thing that he or she does well during the time you are working with him. Give him a treat when you are finished, so he begins to associate grooming with something good. You should turn your dog’s behavior around in no time!
If you want a dog that behaves well you must take the time to properly train it. If you do not do this then you will almost surely be dealing with behavioral problems for the length of the dog’s life. Training is the only way that you can prevent this from happening.
Follow instructions from the vet if the dog needs special attention or has medication. Your dog may hate wearing a cone, however it is prescribed for good reason. Vets are professionals who have experience dealing with your situation.
Always be sure that your dog understands that you are the master if you want to have a well behaved pet. This is important because if your dog believes that he is dominant over you, then you have a much smaller chance of getting it to obey your commands and behave according to your wishes.
Be clear with your pet during training. The word “no” does not explain anything to your dog, other than that you are unhappy with something. Instead, explain which behavior you do want to see. For example, if your dog jumps on the furniture, tell him to get down instead of just saying the word no.
When you are walking your dog in the wintertime, there may be rock salt or chemical ice melters that come in contact with his feet. Once you get back in the house, wash his paws and dry them gently. This will prevent these items from causing any type of infections.
Make sure that you buy an appropriate sized collar for your dog in order to ensure its health and safety. If the collar is too lose, it may become snagged on something. If the collar is too tight, it may restrict the dog’s breathing ability. Allow for a two finger space between the dog and the collar.
Were you aware that vitamins are not good for your dog? A balanced diet may be all that your dog needs. Too many of some vitamins can damage joints, bones, and blood vessels. If you’re going to be giving your dog vitamins, be sure to talk to your vet first.
Humane Society
Put your dog through obedience training. A well-trained dog is a joy to live with for both you and them. Teaching them simple commands like “Come,” “Heel,” “Sit,” and “Stay” can help curb or prevent troublesome behaviors in no time. You can either teach them yourself, or you can find out about obedience courses by contacting the SPCA or the local humane society for class recommendations.
Dogs are wonderful companions, and they bring joy to families everywhere. Although one must be knowledgeable and understand what it takes to sufficiently care for the pet so they are happy and healthy. Hopefully what you learned today offered some valuable insights on how to properly care for your furry companion.
