Would you like to save one of the precious pound puppies? Would you prefer a pure breed? Any dog will enrich your life, whether it is a plain old mixed breed or comes with a fancy pedigree. You will also have tons of responsibilities, so read all of this article to see what to expect.
A physical is good for you, and a yearly vet trip is good for your dog. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he's got arthritis or an aching tooth. A checkup every year can make sure that issues are caught before he is suffering too much.
Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don't force interaction. This could cause the dog to bite. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.
If you are going to taking your dog on vacation, take a pic of him on your phone. This way, if you find out that your dog went missing along the way, you will have a recent picture that you can show to people when you go out to look for you pet.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can't access it. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog's health and even cause death. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.
Don't force your dog to do anything. If your dog is not interested in a treat, do not force your pet to eat it. Keep an eye on your dog's likes and dislikes.
Take your time to teach your dog what kind of behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. If you delay too long, the behavior will get harder and harder to correct. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
It's important to make sure that your pup's nails stay trimmed. When they start curling under, the dog runs the risk of experiencing pain. Try trimming them with scissors you buy at the store. If you do not want to take this matter into your own hands, hire a professional.
Schedule a visit for your new dog with your local veterinarian. This is one of the first things you should do. The veterinarian will make sure your pet is as healthy as you think he is and also talk to you about vaccinations. Speak with a vet about getting your dog neutered or spayed since there is a massive dog overpopulation problem that you don't need to add to.
You have the information you need to properly care for your new dog now, so get ready to show your dog its new home. Keep learning what you can since dog tips are popular online. Try joining forums to talk about your friend with other dog owners. Do not ever stop teaching your dog.