There are a number of different pets available. Reptiles, cats and hamsters are a few options. If you want a great companion, you should choose a dog. The following article will give you some great advice to help you take care of your dog.
Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Dogs are prone to tartar build up and cavities just like people. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. This statement is most definitely not true.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. It can be difficult to know what could be causing your dog pain since they cant talk to you. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.
You should have your dog spayed or neutered. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of cancer. Dogs who have been neutered or spayed are also less likely to run or wander away from home.
Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. Joggers should get a high energy dog, for example. Likewise if you are quiet home-body, look for a smaller dog that enjoys pampering and living it up on your sofa. When you match your traits and the traits of your pet, you will both be happy.
If your dog behaves properly, be sure it is praised and given affection. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. He'll learn that praise will come when he is good, too.
You don't want to buy the bargain dog food. Cheap brands usually contain ingredients that can be harmful to the health of your dog. Check with an animal advocacy group for a list of foods you should be feeding your dog. Your dog will get good benefits from the right kind of food.
Nails Trimmed
Keep your dogâ''s nails trimmed. If they begin to curl under, you dog could experience quite a bit of pain. It is easy to keep nails trimmed with simple implements available at pet stores. If you do not want to take this matter into your own hands, hire a professional.
Schedule a veterinary checkup for your new dog. Make an appointment as early as possible. The vet will check him over and prepare him for vaccinations. Also talk to your vet about getting the dog spayed or neutered - there are already way too many dogs in shelters, and you really don't want to add to this problem.
Really show your dog some love. Like a lot of things, people notice bad behavior more often that good behavior. This can cause problems later on. You should ensure you give your dog positive reinforcement. Your dog's behavior will improve because of your new technique.
Make sure your dog gets an annual health check-up. If your dog is regularly checked out by its veterinarian, they'll be able to catch things like diabetes or kidney problems before they grow into a major issue. This can save you money if you catch a serious illness before it becomes worse. It may also save the life of your dog.
It is no simple decision to take on a dog, but now that you are better informed about what to do, it's time to take the next step. Just ensure you keep learning as much as you can. By doing this, you will enjoy an incredible furry companion for years to come.