Content create by-Mcpherson Gade
Even if you don't have a dog yet, you likely know what a big responsibility dog ownership is. It's not something to be taken lightly. You should keep reading to learn more being a good dog owner.
If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. Call the vet immediately if you suspect that the dog has swallowed the medication.
Be sure your dog is neutered or spayed. Statistics show that doing this can reduce your dog's cancer risk, which can result in a longer life span. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
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.
Since your dog cannot talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog's non-verbal language. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn't attempt to force its interaction with them. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Keep an eye out for your dog's hints, and do what he needs you to do.
Not everyone is good at training dogs, so quit trying if you see things are not going as well as planned. Instead of beating yourself up about it, get in touch with a trainer in your area. Since they have more experience with dogs, it may be much easier for them to train yours.
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When clipping a puppy's toenails, start slow. Introduce your little dog to them before you begin cutting. You may only be able to get a single nail done during a sitting. It could take some time for puppy to become comfortable with the idea of nail clipping, but soon, you will be able to get through it all at once.
Be consistent when giving your dog commands. This 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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Accept the aging process in your dog and know how to meet his changing needs. Your older dog may require dietary changes, more rest and not be as playful as he once was. This doesn't mean he should be left to grow old in a corner. Adapt to his needs and make his golden years enjoyable!
Take care with a female dog in heat, unless you want a lot of puppies. Males can smell a female's scent from a full five miles away. She might instigate problems with fellow dogs, as well as getting pregnant with an unknown mate.
If you bathe your dog often, watch out for signs of painful earaches that can be problematic for canines. They can happen when too much water gets into the ears. Use cotton balls dabbed in baby oil while giving him a bath, and that should keep water from getting in, even if he splashes around.
Be thoughtful about breeding your dog. Repeated breeding of a female can evetually lead to severe health problems for both the dog and the puppies that is born from her. If you plan to breed be sure to do your research first so that you can be sure that you are doing the right thing for your animals.
Keep your dog safe from dangerous chemicals. Similar to kids, cleaning chemicals and any car maintenance substances are harmful to them. These substances are poisonous, so if a dog gets any on them or ingests any, they could get burned, become very sick, or die. Store your hazardous chemicals in a place that your dog can't get to, or keep them in a closed area using a child-proof lock.
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.
Some people think it is cute to give their dog alcohol, but it is dangerous. In high doses, alcohol is toxic to humans and even more so for animals. In addition, it affects co-ordination, causing accidents, and can decrease a dog's respiratory rate. Even small amounts of alcohol can kill a dog.
When training your dog, always make sure that you enter a room before allowing the dog to. This is important because it is an obvious form of dominance that your dog will understand. Establishing dominance will help with your ability to train your dog and with its overall behavior patterns.
It is important that you regularly care for your dog's teeth. By neglecting their teeth, they may develop dental problems like gingivitis, which could lead to an array of health problems. Believe it or not, there are toothpastes made especially for dogs that you can put on a small toothbrush to brush their teeth.
Your dog should always have access to fresh water.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1P78v9aoVr3HMFCIxdzLrwTZKH1SfO-u-gZt8FNu0ksk/viewform?edit_requested=true should always keep a bowl full of water where your dog can access it or purchase a small drinking fountain for your dog. If you have to leave your dog alone for long hours, so not leave more water than your dog needs.
Properly caring for your dog should be easier now that you know more on this topic. As long as you care for your dog with love and patience, your pet will let you know what a good job you're doing. Try to learn as much as you can, and enjoy having a dog around.