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What to consider before getting a Dog
Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
1. Make sure you have lots of chew toys available for your puppy and keep all expensive things (like shoes and clothes) out of its reach; the same goes for chemicals and medicines. Puppies like to investigate and try everything, so make sure there is nothing dangerous around for them to sample.
2. Get your dog vaccinated and spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Oh, and take your dog to the vet for its routine checkups. Your dog will thank you for it and live a much better (and longer) life.
3. Get a proper leash and harness for your dog. A leash too small or too large may hurt it inadvertently during its walking routine, or, worse yet, allow it to hurt others or get loose and run away.
4. Health insurance is a must. Consult your veterinarian as to your best options.
How to choose a Dog
How to Choose a Dog
Have you been dreaming of getting a dog ever since you saw the reruns of the television classic Lassie as a kid? Or maybe you were fortunate enough to watch the original series. While your dog might not be able to save you week after week from a burning building, a runaway freight train, or the bottom of a well (and in the time it takes to finish a 30-minute episode, too), owning a dog can be a wonderful experience.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right dog for you and what to do to prepare to bring your new canine friend home.
How to Choose a Dog
1. Dogs take up a lot of time and energy. Yes, they are rewarding. But if you live alone and work twenty hours a day, then perhaps a dog is not the best choice for you. Hey, there are always those super-cool robot dogs.
2. If you are not often at home, and you really want a dog, you probably should invest in a dog walker. You'd probably be wise to choose a dog breed that isn't especially needy, too.
3. Any dog you get should be suitable to not only your lifestyle, but your surroundings. If you live in a shoebox apartment, then a large dog is not a good choice. You don’t want your dog to develop health issues, be bored, or destroy things. Large dogs really belong in big places with lots of outdoor space.
4. Consider which breeds are suitable for your region's climate, especially if you have a yard and want to keep it as an outside dog.
5. Puppies require the most work when it comes to house training. If you: (a) don’t want your things chewed up, or (b) don’t have the time or money to train the puppy, consider adopting an already housebroken, adult dog.
6. Regardless of the dog breed you choose, have fun! They say there is no better friend than a dog. We have to agree.
How to feed your Dog properly
Feeding
- Puppies eight to 12 weeks old need four meals a day.
- Feed puppies three to six months old three meals a day.
- Feed puppies six months to one year two meals a day.
- When your dog reaches his first birthday, one meal a day is usually enough.
- For some dogs, including larger canines or those prone to bloat, it's better to feed two smaller meals.
Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be mixed with water, broth or canned food. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg or fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than ten percent of his daily food intake.
Puppies should be fed a high-quality, brand-name puppy food (large breed puppy foods for large breeds). Please limit "people food," however, because it can result in vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems and may cause very picky eating habits and obesity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and be sure to wash food and water dishes frequently.
Lastly, don't forget to supplement your dog's feedings to ensure they are receiving that 100% vitamins and nutrients needed to keep them healthy!
Why is it important to supplement your pet?
Why is it important to Supplement your pet?
We all want our pets to live long, happy and healthy lives. In order to achieve this, we take them for their annual veterinary appointments, make sure they get plenty of exercise and feed them the best pet food we can afford. Some of us even go so far as to give our pets vitamins or supplements to add an extra degree of protection. But are these supplements necessary?
"Healthy animals with complete and balanced diets should not need supplements and therefore, they are not necessarily recommended," states Dr. John Bauer, Professor of Small Animal Medicine & Faculty of Nutrition at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Just as a healthy diet should provide people with their essential vitamins and nutrients, the same is true for our pets.
"Pet food companies use a vitamin pre-mix for the particular species to which it is marketed," says Bauer. "For this reason a good quality food should already meet the nutritional needs of your pet."
If you formulate your own pet food at home, there are easy and affordable options to make sure your pet is getting these vitamins as well.
"When I formulate home diets for patients I have the owner add a human multi-vitamin," explains Bauer. "The amount will vary based on the size and breed of your dog so if you are formulating your own diet make sure to check with your veterinarian before for dosage guidelines."
While most pets do not require an additional vitamin for general health, Bauer does add that there is the rare exception.
"One example I can think of is vitamin C production in cats and dogs. Under normal conditions both cats and dogs can produce their own vitamin C," notes Bauer. "However, under times of stress it has been found that they may not make enough and may need to be supplemented."
Bauer explains that the problem with supplements in general is that although we know what the minimal recommended amounts are, there is little scientific data regarding what the "optimal" level of a particular nutrient is. Therefore it is difficult to address whether supplements beyond the recommended allowance are of additional benefit for normal healthy animals.
"While I wouldn't suggest throwing a lot of vitamins at healthy pets, there are a few that are commonly prescribed by veterinarians because there is some evidence that they have positive effects," states Bauer. "These supplements, namely glucosamine, fish oil and antioxidants, may have a place in consultation with a veterinarian, but there is no proof they will be effective in preventing ailments in a healthy animal."
Although extra vitamins may not be proven to cure or prevent disease in a healthy animal, because there is some evidence that a few may either put off or lessen the effects of some ailments in pets there are owners who may want to give them just in case.
"While supplements can add up monetarily, it is possible that they might save you some vet bills in the long run by slowing down the effects of some subclinical problems," advises Bauer.
It's important to remember however, that there is a safe upper-limit to any vitamin so if an owner wants to supplement their pet's diet they need to consult with a veterinarian.
"The difference between a food and a poison is the dosage," explains Bauer. "Safety is always subjective based on the individual so it's imperative that you check with your veterinarian and you can even consult with the supplement manufacturer."
As pet owners we want what is best for our animals and while it's impossible to say right now if supplements will help, it's safe to say that they will not hurt if they are within the guidelines prescribed by your veterinarian. Because of this lack of absolute proof and the fact that these supplements can be costly it's up to every pet owner to weigh the facts and decide what's best for their furry family member.
5 Toys to Stimulate your Dog's Mind
5 Excellent Dog Toys for Mental Stimulation
Trainers, for years, have been saying dogs need mental as well as physical stimulation. The dog toy market has exploded, in part, because society no longer has the need for dogs to work. Dogs get bored easily and need something to occupy their time or else they will turn destructive. Listed below are five highly rated toys, readily available, for a dog’s mental pleasure.
Most owners have seen this versatile chew toy. It comes in all shapes and sizes and is almost indestructible. The Kong may be stuffed with anything, Kong filling, peanut butter, cheese cubes etc… Some owners keep a filled Kong in the freezer, the dog will spend a fair amount of time licking and chewing the frozen filling out of the middle.
Remember the concept of the Weebles? They wobble but they don’t fall down? The inventors of the Bob-a-Lot used the same idea. A weighted bottom allows for the toy to be knocked and pawed without falling over. The top of the toy may be unscrewed and filled with kibble or some other hard treats. If knocked and spun correctly, the Bob-a-Lot will distribute tasty tidbits.
Created by Nina Ottoson, this unique brain teaser may be shifted into varying degrees of difficulty. It looks like an ordinary tray of plastic dog bones, but it contains secret compartments of treats. The dog searches for the hidden compartments, and pulls open the flaps. Once the dog gets the hang of the game, some of the flaps (There are eight in all) may be locked, increasing the difficulty of the game.
This one of a kind puzzle ball indulges most of a dog’s senses. The dog can not only smell the treats inside the maze ball, but he will also be able to hear and see the pieces shifting and jostling through the middle. Rolled in the correct way, a dog will be able to eat the treats that fall out of the maze. One of the drawbacks to this incredible toy is that it is not for dogs who like to chew on their toys.
Dogs and squirrels, who knew? Well, maybe the thousands of dog owners who live with dogs who love to chase squirrels and the design team at Buddy Boy Toys. The Squirrel Dude comes in five sizes, extra small to large. It holds treats, it bounces, was chew tested and approved. What more could a dog ask for?
Always keep a variety of toys on hand and swap out them every few days. If a dog plays with the same toys every day, he’ll eventually get bored. Keep the boredom at bay with a variety of different brain busting games.
What You Must Know If You're Taking Care of a Dog
What You Must Know If You’re Taking Care Of A Dog
A dog is more than a cute bundle of energy that needs food and petting. You need to care for your dog 24/7. But how do you know what it takes to properly care for your pooch? The following information in the article you’re about to read has a wealth of knowledge from experts who understand what it takes to properly care for a dog.
You must dog-proof your residence. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
You must dog-proof your residence. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. In theory, giving a dog a kiss is cute, but realize that the mouth of a dog is generally very dirty. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. There is an old wives’ tale that says that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is simply false.
If there are prescription medications in your home, be sure to keep it out of your dog’s reach. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. If your dog eats your medication, see a vet right away.
Choose the correct flea medicine for your dog. Quite a few of them use ingredients that are very unsafe for kids, including an ingredient that has been linked to cancer. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, and see if he has more holistic treatment options that might help to keep your pet free from fleas and your family safe.
Do not feed your dog from the table. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. Table scraps can be bad for his health as well, leading to obesity and digestive disorders. 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 cheap dog food. 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.
If you are considering a dog but aren’t sure, why not trying providing a good foster home for a dog? Shelters are full of animals who need a loving home, and there’s not room to hold all of them. You can give a hand by fostering a dog without a home and try on the role of dog owner too!
Be careful with your female dog when she is in heat, if you don’t want her getting pregnant. A male is able to smell her from as much as five miles in the distance! This could also lead to unplanned pregnancy, or cause other dogs in the area to fight.
Make political decisions which will help your dog! Be on the lookout for changes in local laws and ordinances that may restrict and regulate a dog owner’s rights. Many times new, overly-restrictive ordinances have incredibly broad impacts when they’re only intended to affect a tiny minority of pet owners. Get in touch with administrators and legislators to exercise your rights as a responsible citizen and reliable dog owner.
Dogs sometimes get tiny cuts on their paws. Wash the cut with antibacterial soap, dry it thoroughly, and leave it to air dry unless it is bleeding or the dog is licking it. If the cut continues to bleed, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.
Set a regular schedule for doggie check-ups at your vet. Dogs need to be checked for heartworm and other health issues, and need to have any and all necessary vaccinations. With a puppy, you will need to visit your vet a little more often. This will help your vet diagnose any physical issues with your dog.
If you have a dog that has an accident in your home, be sure that you get rid of it completely. Start with a professional quality cleaner, and follow that up with an odor remover you know will work. If any of the smell remains, your dog might be encouraged to do the same thing, in the same spot, all over again.
Perform tick and flea inspections daily on the dog when it gets warmer out. Try using a flea comb to remove any fleas that you find. The market is full of products that will assist you in keeping your pet’s fleas and ticks in check. Speak with your vet to find the best option for your dog.
When you are snacking, it may be tempting to share with your dog. You can do this with some foods, but not all. Some foods you cannot give your dog are chocolate, grapes, or any caffeine. These types of food are very detrimental to your dog’s health.
You need to think carefully about getting a dog before you adopt one. There are a lot of things you have to think about instead of just falling in love with the first dog you see. Make sure that you understand all of the care dogs need so that you will know if you’ll be able to do it all.
Learning more about dogs will ensure that you can become an expert. Doing so means providing your dog with the best life possible, seeing as he is already such a good friend. If you were a dog, would you not want your owner to take the time to learn about you?
Dog Training Tips
Top Ten Dog Training Tips
Traci Theis and Kellyann Conway
Listen to Your Dog
Learn to listen to your dog. If your dog appears to be uncomfortable meeting another dog, animal or person, don’t insist that he say hello. He’s telling you that he isn’t comfortable for a reason, and you should respect that. Forcing the issue can often result in bigger problems down the line.- Be Generous with Your Affection Most people don’t have a problem being very clear about when they are unhappy with their dogs, but, they often ignore the good stuff. Big mistake! Make sure you give your dog lots of attention when he’s doing the right thing. Let him know when he’s been a good boy. That’s the time to be extra generous with your attention and praise. It’s even okay to be a little over the top.
Does He Really Like It?
Just because the bag says “a treat all dogs love” doesn’t mean your dog will automatically love it. Some dogs are very selective about what they like to eat. Soft and chewy treats are usually more exciting for your dog than hard and crunchy treats. Keep your eyes open for what he enjoys.Tell Him What You Want Him to Do
There is nothing inherently wrong with telling your dog “no,” except that it doesn’t give him enough information. Instead of telling your dog “no,” tell him what you want him to do. Dogs don’t generalize well, so if your dog jumps up on someone to say hello and you say no, he may jump higher or he may jump to the left side instead of the right. A better alternative would be to ask him to “sit.” Tell him what you want him to do in order to avoid confusion.Be Consistent
Whenever you’re training your dog, it’s important to get as many family members involved as possible so everyone’s on the same page. If you are telling your dog “off” when he jumps on the couch and someone else is saying “down,” while someone else is letting him hang out up there, how on earth is he ever going to learn what you want? Consistency will be the key to your success.Have Realistic Expectations
Changing behavior takes time. You need to have realistic expectations about changing your dog’s behavior as well as how long it will take to change behaviors that you don’t like. Often behaviors which are “normal” doggie behaviors will take the most time such as barking, digging and jumping. You also need to consider how long your dog has rehearsed the behavior. For example, if you didn’t mind that your dog jumped up on people to say hi for the last seven years and now you decide that you don’t want him to do that anymore, that behavior will take a much longer time to undo than if you had addressed it when he was a pup. Remember it’s never too late to change the behavior some will just take longer than others.Don’t Underestimate the Benefits of Feeding a High Quality Food
Feed your dog a high-quality diet with appropriate amounts of protein. If your dog spends most of his days lounging in your condo, don’t feed him food with a protein level that is ideal for dogs who herd sheep all day. The money that you will spend on feeding an appropriate quality food will often be money that you save in vet bills later on. I recommend you always check with your veterinarian for the right diet for your dog.You Get What You Reinforce – Not Necessarily What You Want
If your dog exhibits a behavior you don’t like, there is a strong likelihood that it’s something that has been reinforced before. A great example is when your dog brings you a toy and barks to entice you to throw it. You throw the toy. Your dog has just learned that barking gets you to do what he wants. You say “no,” and he barks even more. Heaven forbid you give in and throw the toy now! Why? Because you will have taught him persistence pays off. Before you know it you’ll have a dog that barks and barks every time he wants something. The solution? Ignore his barking or ask him to do something for you (like “sit”) before you throw his toy.Bribery vs. Reward
The idea of using treats to train is often equated with bribery. Truthfully, dogs do what works. If using treats gets them to do what you want, then why not? You can also use the world around you as a reinforcement. Every interaction you have with your dog is a learning opportunity, so when you think about it, you probably don’t use food very often except during active training sessions. So why does your dog continue to hang out? Because you reinforce him with praise, touch, games and walks. Just remember, the behavior should produce the treat; the treat should not produce the behavior.Freedom
Let your new dog gradually earn freedom throughout your home. A common error that many pet parents make is giving their new dog too much freedom too soon. This can easily lead to accidents relating to housetraining and destructive chewing. So, close off doors to unoccupied rooms and use baby gates to section off parts of the house, if necessary. One of the best ways to minimize incidents is to keep your dog tethered to you in the house and by using a crate or doggie safe area when you can’t actively supervise him.
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