Article created by-Bigum Wells
Do you truly enjoy your dog? Dogs are the number one pet in America; there is a reason for this. Dogs enjoy fun, and they are very affectionate and active. They will stick by your side. This is why you must be a great companion to your dog and give them the care they deserve. Read this article for some useful tips every dog owner should know about.
Your home needs to be 'dog-proofed'. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe. Put cleaning supplies and medications away and keep indoor trash inside a cabinet. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it's best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.
Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.
Take your grown dog to the vet at least once a year. The vet will check to see if the dog's vaccines up to date. In addition, the vet will check the dog's teeth and vital signs. If any major health or behavioral issues come up between annual checkups, you should see the vet earlier.
Before deciding on what type of dog to get for your family, consider space. Even though you may love the bigger dogs that you can really wrap your arms around, you may not have adequate space for a large breed. Take your home and yard size into consideration before bringing home a new pooch.
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.
Does your dog chew a lot? This could be a sign that your dog is bored or anxious. You need to provide your dog with some toys that can be chewed and perhaps leave a shirt with your smell near your dog to avoid separation anxiety, especially if your dog is very young.
Know your dog's behavior and body rhythms well, to keep him at his healthiest. Medical issues often present themselves in slight nuances early on and if you know your dog, you'll see them. Pay attention to input and output, sleep duration, energy levels and so forth to keep on top of important issues that affect his health.
Put a leash on your dog at all times when walking him. He ought to be next to you rather than ahead or behind. He should also respond to the "heel" command. This will keep him safe, and it'll make walks more enjoyable. Even if you're using a loose leash from time to time, you should still train your dog so that it understands when you issue that command.
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If you are having trouble training your dog, see a professional. A lot of people wait until their problems are enormous, but if you would see a dog trainer as soon as you start having difficulty, you will find training goes more easily. Not only that, but you will save yourself a major headache.
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If your dog suffers from constipation or diarrhea, you can try feeding the pet canned pumpkin. This is not same as pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin contains fiber which helps with constipation. In addition, it also absorbs water which helps with diarrhea. Don't give the dog much, just a teaspoon or two with the dog's regular meal.
When you are nibbling on a snack, you might be tempted to let your dog have a taste. Keep in mind that some foods are unhealthy for dogs. Always avoid giving your dog chocolate and grapes, for instance. They won't agree with your dog and could even cause him to become very sick.
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If your dog seems to be struggling with learning commands, consider getting a clicker. A clicker is a tool that is useful when training as it teaches your pup that when he does something correctly, a click will happen which is immediately followed by a reward. Clicker training can be helpful for teaching commands, tricks, and walking manners.
It is essential that you get your dog vaccinated. Vaccinations will protect your dog from different types of illness and diseases. Most vaccinations are done at your dogs yearly check-up. Your vet can explain what each vaccination is for. The rabies vaccine is required by law in many different states.
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When selecting the ideal diet for your dog, investigate the options thoroughly. There are a variety of kinds of dog food on the market; you should choose something that is age and size appropriate. Ask your vet for advice.
Just like people, dogs need plenty of exercise for optimum health. Dogs are naturally hunters and love to run by instinct. Take your dog to the park, play Frisbee with him and give him a daily walk. This will help keep him physically healthy but will also make him mentally healthier.
Even if your dog does not spend the majority of his time outside, it is still important that you bring him or her to the vet for their yearly shots. Your dog could come in contact with other dogs at the dog park or at your home. If the other dog is sick, it could pass on to your dog. This is why it is important that they are vaccinated every year.
When you first start training, play with different reward systems. Do what you can to learn what motivates your dog. If food is the motivator, use hot dog pieces as a reward. If your canine likes playing with toys, tug of war might be a good game for them. Pet your dog if this is something he enjoys.
It isn't enough to feed your dog; you need to make sure that you give him a full life that he can enjoy. The tips in this article are meant to help you to think more about how you can be there for your dog. After all, isn't he there for you?