Have A Happy And Healthy Dog By Following These Tips

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When you’re at a pet store or at the pound you are probably thinking of how great the experience is going to be as soon as you get your dog. What you end up with may be a different story. No matter what, you’ll have a dog you must care for and this article can show you how.

Fight the urge to feed table scraps to your dog. That encourages him to beg and makes him not want his own food. Table scraps can actually lead to obesity and other health concerns. Don’t allow your dog to beg at the table while you are eating.

Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. Use an animal advocacy group or some kind of consumer awareness group to see if you can get a list of good foods that are professionally recommended. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.

TIP! Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Research suggests that this small thing can give extended life to your dog by reducing cancer risk.

There are more advantages to daily brushing of your dog than just keeping your home hair free. Their coat will become shinier when they are brushed everyday. Brushing distributes the natural oils of your dog’s fur evenly and it promotes the health of his skin as well.

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Dogs need consistent physical activity to ensure they are physically and mentally fit. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you’ll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.

Avoid matting on your dog’s paws by keeping the hair on them trimmed. Before you trim it, use a brush to get it as straight as possible. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you’d probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they’re doing.

TIP! When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog.

Really show your dog some love. As is the case with most things in life, owners often pay more attention to the bad behavior than the good. That could mean trouble later with your dog. You should mostly focus on praising and petting your dog when you notice a good behavior. Your dog will be better behaved.

If your dog seems sad and lonely, consider investing in a friend for him. Dogs generally like to have companions that are dogs. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!

Keep dogs mentally active by giving them many opportunities for physical exercise. Bring him outside and teach him how to fetch. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.

TIP! When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. Training in busy areas with lots of people around should be avoided.

You might feel the urge to feed your dog a piece of your snack. This is true of some snacks, but not of others. Do not give dogs any chocolate or caffeine, as these foods are detrimental to their health. These foods can cause health problems in your dog.

Vitamin Supplements

Dogs do not necessarily need vitamin supplements like humans. If your dog eats commercial foods, he doesn’t need vitamin supplements unless your vet advises you to give them to him. Having excess vitamins can damage bones, blood vessels and joints. Speak with a vet before starting your dog’s vitamin regimen.

TIP! When training your dog, use hand gestures along with the verbal commands. Your dog may pick things up much easier when they are given these type of signals.

When you first start to train your dog, you should give a number of reward systems a shot. Trying different techniques can help you find one that really clicks with your dog’s learning style. Dogs that are driven by food may respond to small bits of hot dog used as rewards. If your canine likes playing with toys, tug of war might be a good game for them. Petting can be the best reward too.

Do not set expectations too high for a dog. When you train your dog, they will have a shorter attention span. Limit your training periods to five minutes at a time and be sure to exercise a high level of patience.

Crate training a puppy is a great idea if no one is available during the day to watch him. Crate training helps to keep your dog safe, your household intact, and prevents doggy accidents.

TIP! Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. Keep in mind that a young puppy’s stomach is not ready for certain foods.

When you bring home a new puppy, it is best to help it learn to get along with other dogs and puppies as early as possible. Taking the dog to the groomer, the dog park and on doggie play dates is a great way to socialize your do to other dogs.

Be very mindful of what your dog consumes. Expensive foods are not always the best option. Talk to your vet to learn which types of food are best for the breed of dog you have, as well as their age and health. Feeding a good diet will help your dog live a long and happy life.

Keep track of pet food recalls. Contaminated foods and dangerous toys, sometimes lethal, have appeared in stores on occasion. There are some great online resources that give updated product information about any pet food that has been recalled. These resources often provide notice of problems well before the issues reach the national media.

TIP! Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog.

Pet Sitter

A pet sitter is a great way to make sure your dog is cared for while you are away. A pet sitter can visit your pet in your home, walk him and make sure he is fed. Having one allows your dog to stay in comfortable surroundings while also getting good care.

One thing to do if you want to help your dog exercise is to run with it. Your pet will surely love it if you take him outdoors, and you will also improve your own fitness. After the dog starts running with you, relaxation at home will follow.

TIP! Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. Remember that dogs exposed to cold and damp or excessive heat are far more likely to become ill.

You would be silly to ignore the great advice at your fingertips. Take it all in and soon enough you will see how much more fun it is to be the owner of a happy dog. A happy, healthy dog is a dream come true for a family.