Owning a dog isn’t easy. Dogs are like children, and they need food, exercise, grooming and doctor’s visits. How can one get ready for all of the challenges? Reading this article can help you become a great dog owner.

Keep your medications out of paw’s reach. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.

Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Be safe when taking care of your dog.

Do not force your dog to eat things. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. Find out your dog’s likes and dislikes and feed him accordingly.

Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. Your dog should learn to walk by the side of you, teach them to ‘heel’. If you do this, your dog will be safe, and it will be easy for you to handle. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.

If you’d like to be a dog owner, but think you might not be able to handle the commitment, consider fostering dogs. Animals are overcrowded in shelters, and the resources available for them are not abundant. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.

Your dog should not be left outside all the time. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with others. Dogs become lonely. Keep in mind that your dog can also get sick if the weather is too cold or humid.

Local Pound

Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can’t look after their dog anymore. Just call your local pound to find out what breeds they have available. When you adopt a dog, you save its life.

Now that you know what to do, you can use these ideas every day as you care for and play with your dog. With the things you’ve learned, you’re prepared to make a fine start as a responsible dog owner. Both you and your dog will enjoy the benefits of your knowledge and dedication.

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