Content author-Lane Newell
There is nothing easy about dog ownership. Issues like finding the best dog food, getting quality medical care, grooming and regular exercise have to be fully considered. What does it take to care for your dog properly? The fact is, reading this article will give you the knowledge you need to be the best dog owner ever.
Much like people in the United States, many dogs are overweight. Having a few extra pounds on their frame can lead to a number of health problems, like cancer or diabetes. Many owners simply overfeed their pets. Talk to your veterinarian about how many calories your dog needs each day so you can adjust their meals accordingly.
If your dog is still getting used to the grooming process, only work with him or her in short bursts. Groom for about five minutes and then stop and move on to another activity. Eventually, start adding on two or three minutes to your total grooming time until your pet is able to handle a full session.
If your dog is very rowdy or easily excitable, experts recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and confusion of a new area filled with strangers is too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant incidents may occur. Find a great kennel to care for your pooch instead.
Remember that dogs are creatures of habit and anything you start with him will be expected in the future. If you're not keen on him sleeping with you, don't let him do it only on occasion. Likewise, if you don't want him begging at the table, never offer him a bite of people food. He will learn and accept things if you are consistent.
Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by car. Even with your air-conditioning on, the dog may become over-heated in his pet carrier. A simple and low-cost countermeasure is freezing a few gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he can curl up and cool off.
You should be an activist for your dog. Watch local legislation that passes to see how it regulates or restricts the rights and behavior of dog owners. These regulations often exist because of bad behaviors from a few dogs of a certain breed. Talk to responsible pet owners all around you by contacting your local officials.
Don't forget to trim your dog's nails regularly. Long nails can make him uncomfortable, cause injury to his feet and will ruin your floors. If he makes a "click" sound when he walks on hard wood or linoleum, that's a good indication it's time for a trim. Ask your vet to do it if necessary.
Don't go for the cheap stuff when you buy dog food. Cheaper brands usually contain lots of additives and preservatives that can harm your dog's health. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. Your dog will get good benefits from the right kind of food.
If your dog is prone to getting burs in his coat, keep a can of Crisco in your kitchen cupboard. Next time you notice a bur, put gloves on to protect yourself and work the Crisco around until you can pry the bur out. Give
check it out to get the shortening out later.
Where To Buy Nutro Dog Food
Be careful when you select food for your dog. There are many to choose from, so focus on those that are for your dog's age and size. It's also tempting to feed your dog foods that humans eat, but your dog isn't human and needs dog food that contain the nutrients that a dog needs.
Respect your pet. When out on a walk, do not force your dog to interact with other people or animals if he does not want to. There is
check out this site why your dog may not want to get too close, and it is important that you listen to him. If you try and make him interact, your dog may begin to act out over time.
How Many Calories In Dog Food
Although some dogs do well on the recommended amount of food to be given each day, some dogs need more or less. Instead of just going by what your food says to feed your dog, try to keep an eye on your dog's body. If you notice that your dog is gaining a bit of weight, cut the food intake back a bit.
If you live with other people, make sure they are aware of your training "rules." It is important that everyone redirects the dog off of the furniture, for example, and that they use the same language when doing so. If everyone's rules are different, your dog is just going to get confused, which will make the training process much longer and more difficult.
When Should I Stop Feeding My Dog Puppy Food
If you have a new dog in the house, be careful with how much freedom you give him or her initially. The freedom to have access to all areas of your home needs to be earned. If you allow your pet to roam too soon, you may have to deal with damaged furniture and other issues. Use baby gates to help restrict your dog's movements, and house him in an appropriately sized crate when you cannot watch him.
If you leave your dog with a boarder, there are certain things you need to tell them. First, make sure the boarder has a number to reach you in case of an emergency. Also, tell them of any behavioral issues you dog has. If the dog needs special foods or medication, let the boarder know this as well.
Make wise choices when it comes to your dog's diet. There are many options, but you should match your dog to food that was made for his age and size. You might think that you can save money by feeding your dog table scraps, but this is very unhealthy.
If you are looking into getting a dog you should ask as much about the dog that you can think of. For example, you will want to know about its mannerisms, level of activity and how affection it is. Ask whatever you can think of, so that you do not regret your decision later.
Nothing can match the unconditional love of a loyal dog. However, in order to maximize your relationship with your dog, it's necessary to know all you can about them. You were just given some great tips. Use these tips and any others you find to become a great dog owner.