You must take dog ownership seriously. You need to ensure your dog is healthy and happy at all times. The more you learn, the better, so continue reading this article.
Don't let your dog out of your property without wearing a leash, regardless of how well he behaves. He could easily get spooked by something and run off into harm's way. Ultimately, you're the one who's responsible for your dog's safety, as well as its actions.
Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.
Speak with your vet to see how much you're going to have to feed your dog daily. Simply reading the label on your dog food package may not be enough; your dog may have special needs. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
Try not to base your dog food choices on the price of the food. Cheap dog food contains lots of preservatives and additives that your dog doesn't need. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. Your dog is going to be healthier if he eats better.
Give your dog rawhide instead of real meat bones. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog's mouth or digestive tract. Also, rawhide is better for the health of your dog's teeth.
If you want to keep your dog outside, build him or her a small shelter. Getting cold or wet can cause your dog to be stressed and can cause health problems. Protect your dog from wind and precipitation by giving him a shelter that has a dry floor and plenty of space.
Pay attention to the nails of your canine. If you neglect your dog's nails, they will be in discomfort. You can trim them yourself with a pair of store bought clippers. If you don't feel comfortable doing this on your own then you can hire a groomer to do it for a little bit of money.
Plenty of physical activity is one of your dog's necessities. A dog requires regular exercise and game time; it keeps him healthy and happy, both mentally and physically. From a walk to chasing a ball, everything counts. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.
Become acquainted with dog food labels and avoid buying based solely on cost. Your dog will benefit from eating healthy, quality food. While this may mean paying higher prices for a premium brand, you can be assured your dog is getting the proper nutrients from wholesome sources.
The suggestions in the article will help you a lot if you apply them! Adjust your habits a bit, and you will reap the benefits. If you won't do whatever it takes to give your dog the best life possible, why have one at all?
