Content by-Carlton McKay
Are you thinking about getting a dog? Many people feel daunted by the care and considerations that come with dog ownership. For other dog owners, curbing their pets' independent streak seems impossible. The following information offers you many tips to train your dog right.
Neuter or spay the dog. Research suggests that this small thing can give extended life to your dog by reducing cancer risk. In addition, dogs that are spayed or neutered do not have as strong of a desire to wander from their home, meaning that they are less likely to get lost or hit by a car.
If you are thinking of getting a new dog for your family, be sure you are prepared for this commitment. Smaller dogs will require at least a 14-16 year commitment, and larger dogs will require at least 10 years. If you are not prepared to own the dog for its entire life, then do not choose a dog as a pet.
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If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can't access it. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. If your pet does manage to ingest some medicine, contact the vet right away.
When giving your dog a bath, make sure that you only put on shampoo that is intended for canines. Using lukewarm water, get the entire body wet and then begin applying the shampoo to their face, working your way down their body. Wait a few minutes and then take a washcloth and wipe off the suds from your pet's face. Wash off the rest of the shampoo as well.
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If your young dog is teething and gnawing at everything, buy him a fun chew toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only does this provide him with a good alternative to your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel better. Most younger dogs gnaw out of necessity, not poor manners.
Check to make sure your dog's collar is adjusted properly by fitting two of your fingers comfortably underneath it and pulling gently. There should be just enough room to do this and no more, otherwise he may be able to wiggle out of it. Always keep it on, except during crate transport, as the collar can get snagged and injure.
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For pure bred dogs, don't discount local pounds to find one. There are people who drop off pets for many different reasons, such as moving abroad or the death of an owner. Call the pound to find ask what dog breeds are in house at the time. You can save the life of an abandoned dog this way.
Dogs, like humans, can develop health problems, and because of this they should be taken to see their vet at least once eat year. This can help to diagnosis any health issues early on, reducing both the extremity of the illness and the cost to fix it. Do whatever you can to follow this rule of thumb strictly.
If you are a very enthusiastic owner of a pure-bred dog, join your local AKC. They are an active social group where you can share your love for your dog, learn a lot and make new friends too. The experience can also help prepare you and your dog for entering contests and winning shows!
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 him a nice shampoo to get the shortening out later.
To ensure that your dog is safe, you should try to make your home as dog-proof as possibly. This includes making sure that only safe play toys are within your dogs reach. If you have a problem with your dog getting into your kitchen trash or the things on your counter, you could consider getting a baby gate to prevent your pup from entering the kitchen.
If an accident occurs on your floor, take extra care that all traces are removed. Use a product specifically designed to clean and remove pet odors. Your dog may do his business in the exact same area if his scent from the excrement lingers.
If you pick up a dog from a shelter, make sure that he has been seen by a medical professional. You don't want to bring home a sick dog unless you are aware of it, particularly if you have other dogs at home. Make sure to ask if the dog you have chosen has been around sick dogs in the past few weeks as well.
Don't think that a dog's health status can be determined by how its nose feels. A cold and wet nose may be a healthy one. Judge a dog's health by demeanor, appetite, and energy levels. These are great indicators of how your pooch is really doing. If you need to take a temperature, you can do so rectally.
You should talk to your veterinarian about microchip IDs. Your contact information can easily be stored inside a microchip and most veterinarians or shelters own a scanner they can use to scan the microchip.
https://thebark.com/content/5-tips-helping-your-dog-degenerative-myelopathy will greatly increase your chances of getting your dog back in case it gets lost.
Be careful with your dog in the summer. Dogs have great difficulty dealing with extremely high temperatures. Make sure that your dog has a shaded, cool spot for hot weather. Be sure there is always cool and clean water within the dog's reach. Consult with your vet about the necessity and advisability of sunscreen for your dog.
Brush your dog's coat regularly.
best dog food for my golden retriever will spread the oils evenly in your dog's coat and will keep it healthy and shiny. Besides, brushing will allow you to remove a lot of loose hairs, which could help reduce your dog's shedding. Take your dog to the groomer to have its hairs trimmed if you need to.
As you can see, it's not terribly difficult to deal with caring for a dog. It does take a some time and patience, but it is possible to do well at it. Just take in everything you've read here and you should be able to help your dog live a happy and healthy life.