There are many kinds of dogs, and many different kinds of families who own them. It's a big decision to own a dog. In the following paragraphs, you'll find top notch tips that will help you take great care of your dog.
Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog's life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Choose dog food adapted to the age of your puppy and use common sense when determining which foods are healthy for your dog.
Check with your vet to determine the amount of food to feed your dog daily. Most dog food packages include guidelines but keep in mind that these instructions might not be adapted to your dog. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog's needs.
Don't buy the cheapest food for your dog. Cheap dog food contains lots of preservatives and additives that your dog doesn't need. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. Higher quality dog food will offer your dog many health benefits.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it's best to stick to rawhide. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. Rawhide is healthy and good for their teeth, so don't share that T-bone no matter what faces they make.
Trim your dog's nails on a regular basis. If they start to curl under then your dog may start to feel pain. You can purchase clippers and do this at home. If you aren't comfortable with this, invest a little money and take your dog to the groomers.
Don't buy cheap dog food. Your dog will enjoy greater health benefits from nutritious food. While this could mean paying more for higher-end brands, your dog's proper health will be guaranteed through eating healthfully.
When you get a new dog, set up an appointment for him at the vet. This should be one of the first things that you attend to when you're bringing home a new pet. The vet will check him over and prepare him for vaccinations. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.
Train your pet on how to behave correctly when leashed. Your dog should walk beside you, not lag behind or run ahead, and should obey the command "heel." Walking this way will help to keep your pet safe, and it will make it easier for you to enjoy walks too. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.
Get your dog's hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn't get matted up. Straighten hair with a comb a bit before you trim it. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
By now, you should feel a little more confident about owning a dog. This advice will get rid of any worried you had about your dog. Make use of these great tips to ensure you properly take care of your dog.
