When your dog is hungry, he may scratch at his bowl. If he needs to go potty, he might scratch the back door. Dogs will stare at you when they are in need of compassion. Unfortunately, it's tough for a dog to tell you what he wants, so read this article for information on your dog's needs.
It takes quite a bit of money to take good care of a dog. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. Emergency vet care is very expensive, in some cases thousands of dollars, so you might want to consider purchasing pet health insurance.
Always neuter or spay your pet. This helps reduce the probability of cancer and extends the life of your dog. In addition, spayed or neutered dogs aren't as likely to roam away from your home, which can result in them getting run over by a vehicle, killed by a bigger animal, shot, or kidnapped.
If there are prescription medications in your home, be sure to keep it out of your dog's reach. Taking just a few such pills can have devastating consequences for a dog. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people. You will be responsible for your dog's actions and safety.
Don't force your dog to eat something. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. Learn about your dog's various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. After a while it's good for the dog if it has been eating nutritious and high quality food. Although the food may cost more, you know that your dog is receiving the correct nutrients from quality food.
Set up a vet check for a new dog. This is one of the first things you should do. A vet will make sure the dog is healthy and also set up a future schedule of vaccinations. Also, be sure to speak to the veterinarian about neutering or spaying your dog. There are plenty of dogs already in the shelter, and you don't want to increase that problem.
Take the time to train your dog on a leash. To properly walk your dog, he must remain directly at your side instead of behind or in front of you. This will keep him safe, and it'll make walks more enjoyable. If you are using a loose leash, you help your dog to realize this is the best way to go about it.
You may be able to tell what your pet needs just by studying their body language. After reading this, you may understand a lot more about your dog than what his body is saying. This is something that your pet will appreciate.
