Taking Care Of A Dog In Its Senior Years
Are you the owner of an misbehaving pooch? Does he chew on the furniture and hide your shoes when he is not supposed to? It might be time to teach your dog some lessons on how to behave. Read through the article that follows and you should get some solid advice on how to train your pet.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. If your dog has access to these pills, there can be fatal consequences. You should contact your vet right away if your dog swallows some medication.
Purchase a dog that can keep up with your lifestyle. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. If you are a homebody, a small dog that lounges around a lot is a good fit. Getting a dog that matches your lifestyle will make you both more happy.
Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. Dog food packages provide guidelines, but they can be wrong for your particular pet and lead to obesity. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Cheap brands usually contain ingredients that can be harmful to the health of your dog. Looking at a pet advocacy group website can give you recommendations of the best food for your dog. Your dog will be much better off.
Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Keep your dog out of the wet weather and the wind by building a shelter that keeps them dry and gives them room.
Daily brushing for your dog does more than simply prevent shedding. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin’s oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.
Physical Activity
Plenty of physical activity is one of your dog’s necessities. Dogs need physical activity and play time; it’s good for their physical and mental health. Whether you decide to take the dog for a walk or if you’re just playing fetch, it will benefit both of you. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. It is vital to give your dog the best quality food. This may mean that you have to pay a higher price, but you will know your dog is receiving all of the nutrients he needs.
Instruct your dog clearly about how to walk with a leash. Your dog should learn to walk by the side of you, teach them to ‘heel’. This will not only make your walks more enjoyable, but it will also help keep your dog safe. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
Dogs paws can be damaged by walking through areas that are rife with debris and broken glass. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use an antiseptic and a bandage to clean and protect it. If the cut continues to bleed, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.
If your dog accidentally goes to the bathroom inside, remove every trace of it. Use a professional strength cleaner, followed by a proven odor remover. If the scent from his excrement remains behind, your dog may be inclined to soil in the same area again and again.
When the weather heats up, start checking your pet for ticks and fleas daily. If you spot any fleas, you can remove them with a flea comb. To rid your dog of fleas and ticks, look for products that get rid of them. Ask your vet which are best.
Always keep an eye on your dog’s diet. Foods high in calories are fine for puppies who are growing. However, when these same foods are eaten during adulthood, they could cause extreme weight gain, which can cause damage to your dog’s health.
Be safe in the summer with your dog. Dogs have great difficulty dealing with extremely high temperatures. Be sure your dog can cool off in the shade during the summertime. You should also ensure that your dog can get plenty of clean, cool water. Your vet should be able to provide you with different options for dog sunscreen as well.
Create rules for your dog and stick to them. Maybe your partner is away on business, and you think it would be okay for your dog to sleep in your bed for one night. This confuses your pet as it will not know why it cannot do it all of the time. Never make exceptions to your rules.
You can easily have a well cared for pet. You’re never going to have to sit there and see your dog disobey you and do things like growl at people that walk by. If you are consistent and competent, you can control your dog’s behavior. Remember the tips that you read here and teach your dog good behavior.