Article by-Kolding Skovsgaard
A dog is much like a child in that you have to care for him night and day. At the same time, your dog can't talk back, nor can he draw on the walls. While kids and dogs each have their own pros and cons, this article only discusses how to care for your dog.
While it's great to show your dog affection, you shouldn't kiss them. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! It's an old wives' tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. It certainly isn't the truth.
Dogs can't talk, so you must learn their body language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don't insist that they interact. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. So pay attention to your dog's demeanor and make your judgement from these cues.
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.
Take your dog to the vet regularly. This may seem like an added expense that you don't need, but when you take your dog to the veterinarian, he can screen your dog for diseases and make sure he is in the best of health. This of course prevents problems down the road.
Pet-proof your home before bringing a dog into it, just as you would for a crawling toddler. You need to move anything toxic to a higher shelf and consider the danger that plants may pose if nibbled by your dog. Remember that anti-freeze is deadly and that leaving things like pennies or crayons on floors can pose a choking hazard to curious pups.
Timing is key when bringing your dog home. Try to introduce him to his new home over the weekend or when you have a couple of days off. Take the time to get to know one other - this will make him feel much more comfortable when he has to spend time in the home alone. Also, if you have children, make sure that they don't overwhelm him at first. If you have other pets in the house, be extra cautious when introducing the new arrival.
If you are considering a dog but aren't sure, why not trying providing a good foster home for a dog? Shelters for abused or homeless dogs are often looking for temporary homes, called foster homes, where dogs can live until they are adopted out to a permanent home. Fostering will help you become adapted to the life of a pet owner, and you will be making a difference in the life of a dog at the same time!
It is very common for objects to get lodged in the pads of your dogs paws. Check them regularly to make sure that nothing is in there. If you see something, be very careful about taking it out, or it may become lodged even deeper. It is a wise to use tweezers for this.
The pads of your dog's feet can become dry and cracked, so make sure that you moisturize them regularly. Ask your veterinarian for advice on which product to use. Avoid using visit the next site that are intended for humans, because they can make the pads too soft and your dog may get hurt.
If you've got the most well-behaved and lovable dog around, share his good nature with those less fortunate. You could bring him to visit the elderly in nursing homes or sick children in hospitals. Not only will you be improving the quality of life for those people, but your dog will love being a super-star wherever he goes!
If separation anxiety plagues your dog, or you want your dog to feel less lonely, play some music while you are at work. The noise from the music will comfort the dog and that can help the animal to feel secure. It may just be the fix needed for the dog's anxiety problems until you get back to the house.
Before you head out for a day of fun in the sun with your dog, dab a little sunblock on him! Dogs can get very serious burns on their noses and the inside of their ears, so include him in your sun-protection regimen. Just make sure there's no zinc or PABA in the product you use.
You need to trim your dog's nails regularly. Avoid cutting too much or you could cause bleeding. If you can see a black line inside the dog's nails, stay away from it. It is best to take your dog to the vet or to a professional groomer if you are not sure how you should cut your dog's nails.
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Be sure to keep your dog's nails clipped in order to prevent injury. This can occur both from the dog scratching itself or also from having its nails get caught in things such as carpet. In order to be sure you are cutting the nails correctly, be sure to check with the veterinarian or groomer.
If you are in the market for purchasing a dog that has been breed you need to make sure that you have every stipulation in writting. For example, if the breeder promises to spay or nueter the pet, you must get that in your contract. Doing this will protect you from any conflict later on.
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When crate training a dog, be sure to allow it to stop making noise (barking, whining, crying) for at least 30 seconds before opening the crate up. This is important because otherwise the dog will believe that as long as it keeps making noise, you will come and open the crate. It can be hard to do this, but is necessary. Of course, always be sure that the dog is safe and not making noise for some other reason.
If you do not have a fenced in yard, your dog should remain on a leash whenever it goes outside. If your dog is not on a leash, it could leave your yard and end up getting hurt. A leash is the best way to ensure that your dog will not be harmed by a vehicle, ingest something that it shouldn't, or end up in a scuffle with another animal.
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Just as your dog is a wonderful companion, you need to return the favor. This advice will help you provide better care for your dog. Your dog deserves longevity and happiness, and you can provide that for him.
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