Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Allay Your Dog-related Concerns With This Advice

By Sally Byrd


Are you dissatisfied with the dietary options of the dog found at your local grocery store? A number of people feel like the dog food sold at big box stores isn't good enough for their pet. As a result, many dog owners have decided to do something about it. Continue reading to learn more about owning a dog and all that it entails.

If there are prescription medications in your home, be sure to keep it out of your dog's reach. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.

Your dog needs annual medical exams. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.

You should have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can reduce your dog's risk of cancer and make them healthier in general. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.

Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. When provided with signals of this type, dogs tend to pick things up faster. Look at both options and see if one particular way works best.

Always follow any instructions from the vet carefully, especially if your dog requires medication or other special attention. Even if your dog resists, it is important for their health that you listen to the veterinarian. It is always best to follow the recommendations shared by your veterinarian.

If you're going to adopt a new dog from an animal shelter, you need to get a vet appointment scheduled as soon as possible. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. Make sure the new puppy gets their required shots before going home.

There are many ways to show your dog how cherished he is. Do not focus on just the negatives with your dog. This often results in problems later. Rather, stroke, praise and pet your dog at least three to four times more than you scold or speak sternly to him. When you do this, you'll see much better behavior from your dog.

Keep the fur around your pup's paws trimmed so that it does not get matted. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.

If separation anxiety plagues your dog, or you want your dog to feel less lonely, play some music while you are at work. That noise will help your dog feel more secure, and it will help him feel he's not alone. This can significantly help reduce its anxiety.

Dogs will commonly get cut when they're walking because of the various debris on the ground. Wash the cut with antibacterial soap, dry it thoroughly, and leave it to air dry unless it is bleeding or the dog is licking it. If the cut is deep, it is best to go to a veterinarian.

Dogs do not necessarily need vitamin supplements like humans. If your dog eats commercial foods, he doesn't need vitamin supplements unless your vet advises you to give them to him. If you give your dog too many vitamins, joints, bones or blood vessels could be damaged. Speak to your vet about your dog's requirements.

Keep your dog mentally active along with providing him plenty of opportunity to get physical exercise. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. This will help your dog to feel like he is helping you out.

Remember, your dog isn't a human. Your dog's attention span is relatively short. Be sure to be patient and to only try to train your pup in many small intervals each day.

If you already own a dog and are getting another one, have the two meet before bringing the new one home. Some dogs get along better with one another than others. Having dogs that get along with each other makes your life that much easier.

Don't rely on just a wet and cold nose to determine a dog's health. Your dog's nose can be wet for various reasons and they can still be wet when they're sick. Instead, focus on his energy level, bathroom habits, appetite and thirst. These can be great ways to know how your dog's health is. You can also take his temperature with a rectal thermometer.

Anyone with kids knows how key a schedule can be to their daily lives. There is no reason they shouldn't in a dog's life, too. Without knowing what to expect during the day, your pet is likely to become cranky or mean-tempered. Their mood will reflect in their behavior. This is why they need time set aside to eat, romp and train.

Anyone with kids knows how key a schedule can be to their daily lives. In this way dogs and children are very similar. Without knowing what to expect during the day, your pet is likely to become cranky or mean-tempered. Behavior mirrors mood. Keep to a regular schedule of training, play time and feeding.

If you notice diarrhea in your dog for several days, immediately take it to the vet's office. At times, dogs may eat strange items that are bad for their digestive system, which can result in diarrhea for a day or two. However, beyond that there is an issue that needs to be addressed by a professional quickly.

For thousands of years, dogs have been man's best friend. That is why it is easy to look into their eyes and figure out what they need. However, now that you've read this article, you have a deeper understanding beyond just facial expressions. Your dog will be happier now that you've learned so much!




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment