There are a variety of pets available to you. You could bring home a bird or a lizard, a gerbil or a cat. Dogs are among the most versatile pets to have around the house. This article provides you with information about caring for your dog.
Your dog needs an annual physical exam from the vet, just as you need one from your doctor. Since your dog doesn't talk, you may have difficulty figuring out if a tooth starts hurting or where arthritis is developing. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.
Don't let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they're well behaved. A wild animal could draw his attention and make him run off into danger, or an unexpected provocation could result in some unpleasant situation with other people and their dogs. Ultimately, you're the one who's responsible for your dog's safety, as well as its actions.
Offer rawhide rather than actual meat bones. Giving them actual bones may cause them to fall apart and become lodged in the digestive tract or oral cavity of your dog. Rawhide is very healthy and will help your dog develop some strong teeth. Never ever give him a real bone!
Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. Dogs need consistent physical activity to ensure they are physically and mentally fit. Whether you decide to take the dog for a walk or if you're just playing fetch, it will benefit both of you. It also grows your bond with the dog.
When you buy dog food, avoid the cheap stuff. In the long term, it's crucial to feed healthy, high-quality food to your dog. While this could mean that you're going to have to pay more money, you can know that you're doing the best for your dog to keep it healthy.
Make an appointment with a good vet right after getting a new dog. Schedule a visit with the vet right away. This allows the vet to look him over and schedule the necessary vaccines. Also discuss the spaying or neutering process with your vet. This can help to eliminate unwanted animals and keep your dog happy and healthy for a longer period of time.
If you think you want a dog, but are not sure if you are ready for the commitment involved, consider becoming a foster home. Dogs who have been abused or left without a home stay in shelters until someone adopts them. Since there are so many dogs in shelters, there are little resources. Fostering an animal will help animals and help you decide whether or not you would like to keep a dog of your own.
Adopting a dog is an important decision, but you should have a better idea of whether or not it is a good option for you after reading this article. Keep learning about dogs and keep finding out as much as you can. You'll discover a new pastime and take better care of your furry friend.
