No matter if you are a current or prospective dog owner, you surely realize all the things dog ownership entails. This isn’t just something that you’re able to do from the start. The following article has the tips and advice you need to properly care for your dog.
Having a dog at your home is a big financial commitment. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. Emergency vet care is very expensive, in some cases thousands of dollars, so you might want to consider purchasing pet health insurance.
Make your home dog-proof. It should be perfectly safe before you bring a dog in. Put all medication and cleaning supplies away, and keep your indoor trash can inside a cabinet. Some plants in your house may be toxic to your dog, so they should be kept where your dog cannot reach them.
You need to take your older pet to the vet at lease once a day. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Try not to base your dog food choices on the price of the food. Cheaper brands usually contain lots of additives and preservatives that can harm your dog’s health. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
Give your dog rawhide instead of real meat bones. Real bones can chip and become lodged in harmful place such as the digestive tract. Rawhide is much safer and also cleans teeth.
If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. If his feet get wet, being exposed to extreme weather can cause health issues and stress. Your dog needs a space that is dry and provides him with adequate shelter.
Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. Error on the side of caution and get your dog all its shots.
With the advice given in this article, you’re well on your way to properly caring for your pet. You just need some patience and love in order to have a happy, appreciative dog. Continue to look up information and have fun with your canine.