Created by-Stewart Lentz

When you own a dog, you have a ton of work on your hands. From brushing their fur to feeding them, you need to keep on top of all of their needs. That said, this article will teach you all about what it takes to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Your dog needs annual medical exams. Since your dog doesn't talk, you may have difficulty figuring out if a tooth starts hurting or where arthritis is developing. A checkup once a year will help diagnose any problems.

Spay or neuter your dog. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, spayed or neutered dogs aren't as likely to roam away from your home, which can result in them getting run over by a vehicle, killed by a bigger animal, shot, or kidnapped.





If your dog is very rowdy or easily excitable, experts recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and confusion of a new area filled with strangers is too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant incidents may occur. Find a great kennel to care for your pooch instead.

Take your grown dog to the vet at least once a year. The vet will check to see if the dog's vaccines up to date. In best affordable dog food for senior golden retriever , the vet will check the dog's teeth and vital signs. If any major health or behavioral issues come up between annual checkups, you should see the vet earlier.

How Much Food To Feed Your Dog

Before giving your dog a new dog food, talk to your vet. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Use your vets advice and common sense to feed your dog properly.

Be careful if you're searching for a new dog on Craigslist or other classified ads. Many people exaggerate the truth in order to unload problems or challenging training issues and you could end up with an impossible situation on your hands. Only talk to people who are verifiable through vet records and demonstrate positive handling experience.

How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Digest Food And Poop It Out

When taking your senior dog to the vet for an annual visit, make sure to request senior blood work. A blood panel can help your vet to identify any kidney, heart or vascular concerns. If caught early, treatment is often minimally invasive and less costly. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1POoXTJMvkSDvDdECiWx0acN7e9NoWw28/view?usp=sharing is a great way to keep your pet healthy for years to come.

Be careful to not over feed your dog. Obesity is a huge problem for animals these days due to the fact that many dog owners allow the animal to determine how much it eats each day. For the best results, and health of your dog, you should follow the instructions of your vet when it comes to feeding habits.

How To Measure Dog Food Portions

Never leave your dog home alone for more than a few hours each day. For example, if you are planning on being away from home for a few days, you should find a place to house them where they can get regular care. Dogs can become anxious when left alone for extended times, so consider their feelings and provide them with the care that they need.

Respect your pet. When out on a walk, do not force your dog to interact with other people or animals if he does not want to. There is a reason why your dog may not want to get too close, and it is important that you listen to him. If you try and make him interact, your dog may begin to act out over time.

Always take your dog for his yearly check-up. A good vet will be able to easily spot problems with your dog way before you actually see something. Yearly physical exams can save money down the line and save the dog from suffering unnecessarily.

You need to think everything through before you bring a dog home. While those cute puppy faces can be hard to resist, it is important to remember that adopting a dog is a serious commitment. Take a little bit of time and think over all aspects of having a pet so you're sure that you're able to manage it.

If you're considering introducing trick commands to your dog, make sure that you have first covered all of the basic commands, such as sit, lay down, stay, and come. Although trick commands are fun and entertaining, having a well mannered dog is more beneficial. Having a dog "stay" when asked will be more fulfilling than having a dog "play dead."

Not all dogs are meant to be outdoor dogs. If you plan to keep your dog outside, carefully choose the breed. Small dogs, short-hair, or older dogs will not do well being kept outside. Choose one that has a nice thick coat, that is mature and one that is extremely healthy.

The pads of your dog's feet can become dry and cracked, so make sure that you moisturize them regularly. Ask your veterinarian for advice on which product to use. Avoid using moisturizers that are intended for humans, because they can make the pads too soft and your dog may get hurt.

You should talk to your veterinarian about microchip IDs. Your contact information can easily be stored inside a microchip and most veterinarians or shelters own a scanner they can use to scan the microchip. This will greatly increase your chances of getting your dog back in case it gets lost.

Dogs need water just as much as humans do. In fact, approximately 70% of their bodies are water! You need to be sure your dog always has fresh, clean water to drink. Keep bottled water on hand in case of emergencies. You want to make sure your pet has something safe to drink no matter what.

Now that you're able to see what kind of work goes into working with dogs, you should have a better idea of how to care for yours. Even if you're just thinking of getting a dog you should now know what to do when you get one. Take great care of your canine friend and it will care for your family!