Article written by-Nilsson Kerr
Dogs are wonderful companions, and owning one can be a lot of fun. If you are considering owning a dog, knowing how to properly care for him is essential. This article contains some great tips that can help you to select the perfect pet for you and also care for him properly.
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.
Your pet needs vaccinations, much in the same way that your baby does. Some common vaccinations that dogs require include rabies, hepatitis and distemper. Each pet is different, and each will have a different immunization schedule. Your veterinarian is a great resource when it comes to which vaccinations are right for the age and breed of your pet.
Never lose your temper or punish your dog if you find that they did something wrong.
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/shih-tzu will simply make your dog scared, which will make it difficult for you to train them. Use positive reinforcement at all times to get your dog to cooperate when teaching him new things.
Although the sound may be cute, your dog's nails shouldn't click along the floor when it walks. That's a sign that the nails are too long. The nails should actually just barely touch the ground.
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Make sure to exercise your dog often. A dog requires regular exercise and game time; it keeps him healthy and happy, both mentally and physically. No matter what you do, whether it's going for a long walk or simply throwing a ball or stick, both you and your dog will benefit. It gives you exercise and helps develop a relationship that will last forever with your dog.
If you are thinking about adopting a dog, try taking a couple of weeks off work so you can spend some time with your puppy and teach it a few good habits. Training your puppy and helping it get used to its new environment will be much easier if you are home.
Trim all hair surrounding the dog's paws so that it does not become matted. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog's fur before trimming. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
Getting a dog on a whim is rarely a good idea. You need to make sure you can afford to feed a dog and cover medical expenses before getting a pet. Research different breeds to figure out which dog would be best for your family, your lifestyle and the size of your home.
Be strong when the time comes to say goodby to your beloved dog. Many owners keep the animal suffering to keep them in their lives and that's not fair to the dog. Consult with your vet, then talk it over with family. If it's time to part ways with your dog, do what's best for him.
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If you have a new puppy in the house that suddenly begins chewing things, do not fear. This could be a sign that your puppy is teething. To keep puppy from chewing on your belongings, make sure that you have provided him with plenty of chew toys of his own.
Your dog needs healthy teeth and you should brush them regularly. This helps to prevent dental problems and gum disease, but also prevents other illnesses. Infections in the mouth can spread to other areas of the dog's body, like the kidneys and the heart. Pet stores sell special toothpaste for dogs.
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Certain health issues plague particular dog breeds, and you need to know what those conditions are for the type of dog you own. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to. Also, talk to your vet about things that can be done to increase the odds for your dog's breed.
If your dog has been playing outside, take the time to inspect its ears and neck for ticks. These parasites are very common and could make your dog sick if you do not take action right away. Take your dog to the vet if you do not know how to remove the ticks yourself.
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It is natural to want to get your dog trained as quickly as possible. However, remember that there is a limit as to how fast this process is going to go. If you are not realistic, you are much more likely to get frustrated with your pet, which could damage your relationship. Your pet will learn over time, but it may not happen as fast as you would like.
Never punish your dog for being curious about a new baby. Instead, allow your dog to investigate the smells and sights that come with a baby at a safe distance. If the dog is made to feel like the baby has infringed on his home, the very worst is far more likely to happen.
When you first start out training the dog see what kinds of rewards work best. Be on the look out for what motivates your pet to perform well. If you are giving treats, try crumbled egg or ground turkey which has been cooked. If your canine likes playing with toys, tug of war might be a good game for them. Quality time spent giving them a good petting can even do the trick.
If you've brought home a new puppy, getting them on a strict feeding schedule should be your top priority. Dogs thrive on routine, and making sure they know exactly when they'll get fed can eliminate a host of problems. Getting an older dog on a schedule can be hard work, but you may find it's worth the effort.
All of the expert advice contained above should have you ready to really take good care of your dog. That said, focus on love and everything else will fall into place. As long as you continue to adore your four-legged friend, and mistakes you make will be forgotten quickly and won't be so harmful.