Are you finding that your local food store does not offer the kind of food that you would like to feed your dog? A lot of people agree with you. This is why many of them do things themselves. You needn't rely on your wits alone, though; just read on to learn a few terrific tips and tricks for outstanding dog care.
Being a dog owner can be very costly. High quality dog food, medical care, toys and treats can easily run close to $1,000 in a year. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.
Make your home dog-proof. Prior to bringing your dog into your home, be sure that it is entirely safe. All cleaning supplies and medications should be moved out of reach of your dog. You should also find a way of securing your trash somewhere that your dog cannot get to, such as in a cabinet. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.
Ask your vet the amount of food your dog needs daily. It is important to follow guidelines for the sake of your dog's health. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog's needs.
When a dog behaves badly, correct him immediately. The longer you ignore it, the more difficult it will be to correct it later, and the consequences could be dire. The dog may harm somebody, even you, so control them.
It's important to make sure that your pup's nails stay trimmed. If they get too long and start to curl, the result could be painful injuries to the nail beds and your dog's paws. You can do this yourself using a pair of dog clippers from the pet store. If you'd prefer, you can have the groomers trim your pup's nails.
When making a dog food selection, the cheap stuff is rarely the best choice. Overall, your dog will benefit form a lifetime of quality food. Although this could mean paying a higher price for a better brand, at least you know that your pet is getting the required amount of nutrients in their diet.
If your vet prescribes medication, always carefully follow the provided instructions. Your dog likely will not enjoy wearing a cone, but the vet prescribed it for good reason. The vet doesn't give advice for no reason, and it can be dangerous to now do what is advised.
When the weather heats up, start checking your pet for ticks and fleas daily. You can get a flea comb that will help with the removal of fleas on your dog. The market is full of products that will assist you in keeping your pet's fleas and ticks in check. Speak with your vet before using anything and ask them what your options are.
If you are shopping for a new dog and already own another dog, it is a good idea to take your old dog along. Some dogs get along better with one another than others. Finding a compatible dog will save you anguish and trouble.
Don't be hasty when deciding if you will get a dog or not. Sometimes, it is hard to resist the adorable face of a puppy or dog, but remember how much is involved in the proper care of a pet. Consider everything beforehand so that you know whether or not you can confidently manage it all.
Rely on positive reinforcement when you train your dog. Praise your dog and give it a treat when it does something well instead of using punishments to get rid of bad behaviors. Humane training is better for years to come and it's more effective. Always treat your dog with kindness during training so you will see a much better end result.
Table Scraps
You should be firm with your dog. Dog owners sometimes think that it is alright to occasionally let their dog have table scraps or destroy a toy. This is very common when dogs are cute little puppies. Do not give in or you will only confuse the dog and end up with more problems. You might think it is okay to give your dog table scraps, but pretty soon he'll be jumping up on the table and helping himself.
You must pay attention to your dog's water and food bowls. Your dog doesn't want to eat from a dirty bowl, just like you wouldn't want to. Food bowls should be cleaned on a daily basis and fresh drinking water provided.
You don't just have to "wing it" when it comes to your dog's care. There are plenty of food choices that are available to dog owners, some of which you may not see in your food aisle. Just keep everything you've read here in your mind and you shouldn't have a problem finding a good diet for your dog.