Article written by-Haney Bailey
There is a reason why dogs are often called man's best friend--they are loyal, loving, and affectionate. But, do you feel like you know everything there is to know about these cuddly creatures? If not, it would be in your best interest to do your research.
More Information and facts is a great resource.
Look into the flea treatments. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Speak with your vet to see if there are any alternatives that are healthier choices for your pet and your family.
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.
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.
It is important for you to take your dog in to see the vet on a fairly regular basis. Just like humans, dogs can develop health problems like toothaches, arthritis and weight gain. Do not wait until you think your dog is sick before taking him in to be seen.
Groom your dog frequently. Keep them clean and reduce the amount of hair they shed by brushing them frequently. When the weather warms up, start checking them for ticks and fleas daily. Dogs generally require a few baths a year. Before you give your dog a bath, make sure to cut or comb out mats and tangles. Rinse their coat thoroughly to avoid dirt sticking to any soap residue.
Give your dog a great place to sleep. Every dog needs a bed to call his own that is temperature controlled and comfortable. If not, the dog may alternate sleeping locations between undesirable locations, such as your sofa when you're not watching. A bed also gives him a great sense of security and belonging.
It is very important for you to keep your dog's ears clean. Keeping the inside of the ears clean will help prevent infections of the ear. This is also a good time for you to inspect the ear for fleas, ticks and any other pests that could have made your dog's ear home.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. You need to be sure that you get your animal all of the shots it needs prior to bringing it home.
Dogs can often get cuts by stepping on glass and other debris. If your dog gets a cut, make sure that it is washed with antiseptic and then have a bandage wrapped around the wound. If it is a very deep cut, you should take him to a vet.
Put your dog through obedience training. A well-trained dog is a joy to live with for both you and them. Teaching them simple commands like "Come,"� "Heel,"� "Sit,"� and "Stay"� can help curb or prevent troublesome behaviors in no time. You can either teach them yourself, or you can find out about obedience courses by contacting the SPCA or the local humane society for class recommendations.
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Conduct daily flea and tick inspections on your dog when it starts getting hot outside. You can get a flea comb that will help with the removal of fleas on your dog. There are a lot of products that can assist you with fleas and ticks. Your veterinarian should be able to advise you on your best options.
In order to make sure that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to have access to clean water at all times during the day. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important components.
Best Dog Food By Breed would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy for three hours before bedtime.
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Give your dog love, just as you would with a child. Dogs are intended to live in groups, and in those settings they tend to be affectionate with one another throughout each day. To give your dog what it needs you must show it love through petting and snuggling. This will only strenghthen the bond that you will have through the years.
Be consistent when giving your dog commands.
Can Birds Eat Cat Food is an area where a lot of dog owners have a problem, especially when you won't feed your dog from the table but your spouse will. Make sure that everyone in your home understands what's acceptable so that the dog will receive a clear message. That will make him more likely to obey.
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Brush your dog's teeth every week. Use a child's toothbrush that is soft, some nylon pantyhose over your finger, or a gauze pad. Don't use regular toothpaste. Instead, try using a baking soda and water paste or toothpaste made for dogs. Clean their teeth one to two times a week.
If you or family members are away from home and can't watch your new puppy, consider crate training. This will prevent your puppy from damaging your home, and he will not use the bathroom anywhere he shouldn't.
If you have younger children in the home, make sure that you try to teach them what behavior is appropriate with your dog. Let them know the rules and what they are allowed to do. Some dogs are more tolerant of being jumped on, pulled on, and played with than other dogs.
A dog is a living and breathing member of the family, and it needs to be treated right. With the tips and tricks you have just read, you should be in a position to properly care for your pet. Just take your time and be sure you see a vet if there are any emergencies.