There are lots of pets out there that a person can pick from. You could get a hamster, a goldfish or a cat. However, if you want a pet that will show you lots of love, a dog may be your best bet. Read on to find out what it takes to take care of your dog.
Just as you need an annual physical exam, dogs do as well. 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.
Resist the urge to give your dog table scraps. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. Feeding table scraps to your dog could lead to digestive problems or obesity. You can keep your dog healthy and avoid any temptation to feed it from the table by teaching it to spend dinnertime well away from your family.
Don't buy your dog cheap dog food. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog's health. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Your dog can really benefit from better food.
Don't try forcing anything into your dog. Some dogs won't love all treats, and you shouldn't push your dog to like something. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn't like.
Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Regular exercise is a necessity, as is playtime in order to keep him physically and mentally happy. From a simple walk to a vigorous game of fetch, both of you will find the time well spent. This will create a great bond with your dog when performing these activities.
Don't buy cheap dog food. In the long run, it is beneficial to be feeding your dog high quality, nutritious food. 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.
Take your new dog to the vet. Make an appointment as early as possible. This allows the vet to look him over and schedule the necessary vaccines. Remember that there is a tremendous dog overpopulation problem, so you should have your dog spayed/neutered.
Put a leash on your dog at all times when walking him. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. This keeps you and your dog safe as you walk. Your dog needs to get used to this.
Taking in a dog is a massive responsibility, but thanks to the tips you've read, you should be up to the task. Take the time to continue reading and learning about the wonderful world of dogs. You'll find that this is a great way to spend your time, and it'll teach you how to care for your pet.
