Are you a former or current dog owner? If so, you are already familiar with the joys of owning these fantastic pets. However, like with many other things, you can get a lot more out of owning a dog when you know what you’re doing. This article provides a wealth of information about owning and caring for a dog.
Be sure your house is dog-proofed. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe. Place any meds or household cleaning supplies out of reach, and place any trash cans in a cabinet. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. A dog has a very filthy mouth. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. Many people believe that the human mouth has more germs than that of a dog – this isn’t true. It’s not true.
Make sure that your dog gets neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
Use flea treatments with caution. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Ask your vet for recommendations instead, and keep children away while you’re applying flea treatments.
When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. This prevents some of the problems that are associated with training around a lot of other people. Distractions occur, making it difficult to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Offer rawhide rather than actual meat bones. Real bones chip apart and can become dangerously lodged in the oral cavity or digestive track. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
Avoid leaving your pup outside all day. You may see this on TV or in movies, but that doesn’t make it right. If you have a single dog, it may feel lonely outside on its own. It’s especially important that your dog be inside if the weather outside is nasty.
As stated at the start of this article, it is extremely rewarding to own a dog. You’ll get even more out of dog ownership when you’re knowledgeable about your pet. Given your familiarity with the above piece, you ought to have a real feel for dogs. Apply these tips to have a great relationship with your dog.