Commonly Asked Dog Questions
Here are the answers to just a few of the questions most commonly posed by dog owners:
1. What supplies do I need to have on hand before I bring my new puppy home?
There are few things as exciting as bringing home a new puppy. Make sure you are prepared in advance so you'll get off to a great start together.
One of the first things you'll need is a crate for your new puppy's trip home. Ask his breeder or the animal shelter workers what size is appropriate for your puppy at his age. Do not get a crate that is too large. Crates should be small enough to provide a sense of security for a puppy. They are a den and a place of comfort. Your puppy will need a larger crate as an adult dog.
Make sure you have bowls for food and water. Ceramic or stainless steel are usually better than plastic. Some dogs have allergies to plastic which can react with the skin on their faces. Choose a good food, preferably the same one the breeder or shelter has been feeding. Make any food changes gradually to avoid stomach upset.
Your puppy will also need a collar and leash. The collar should fit with space for two fingers between collar and neck so it's not too tight. Don't forgot toys and bedding for your new pup. You'll also need to make an appointment with your vet to continue his shots.
2. What is crate training and how do I do it?
Crate training your new pup won't be too hard. The purpose of crate training is to provide your puppy with a safe place to go when you are not at home to supervise him. His crate is his den, his sleeping place, his place to travel when he rides in the car or on airlines. A crate can also be used for time-outs when puppies become too boisterous or out of control. However, crates are not to be misused or to keep puppies or dogs in them for long periods of time without care.
You should begin crate training your puppy by leaving the crate door open in the house when you're home. Place treats and toys in the crate. Puppies will be happy to explore it. Let your puppy spend a few minutes in the crate with the crate door closed. Reward him when you let him out. You can increase the time he spends in the crate while you are home with him. Always make sure you reward him and that it is a positive experience. And make sure that the crate is kept clean and supplied with bedding. You can feed him his meals in the crate, too.
Your puppy's crate should feel like a refuge, not a prison. Gradually you can begin to leave your puppy in the crate while you make short trips away from the house. Remember to reward him when you return.
Do not leave a puppy in a crate longer than he can hold his bladder. The general rule is that a puppy can hold his bladder an hour for each month of age, give or take a little time. If you work and leave a puppy crated, he will need someone to check on him during the day and take him out for a walk.
3. How do microchips work?
Microchips are small devices about the size of a grain of rice that are inserted beneath a pet's skin to help in identification if they are lost. A scanner at a vet's office or an animal shelter can read the chip and identify the owner's information if your pet is lost. Microchips are somewhat controversial. They help return many lost pets to their owners since they are one of the best forms of identification. However, there is some evidence that they can cause reactions at the site of injection in a very small percentage of pets. In most cases it is worth the small risk to have your pet microchipped. The chips have helped many pets be returned to their owners, even after years have passed.
4. How can I tell if my dog has worms?
It is possible to see worms in your dog's stool, or if your dog vomits. However, most owners are unaware of parasite infestations unless they are found by a vet. This is one reason why annual checkups are so important for your dog. Some common worms that your dog can have include hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms and whipworms. These can all cause internal irritation and damage to your dog but they are easily treated. Heartworms, on the other hand, are spread by mosquitoes. They can be fatal. An annual blood test is used to check for heartworms. If your dog has heartworms it can also be treated but prevention with a monthly pill or chewable is much better for your dog.
5. Why should I get my dog fixed?
For many dog owners spaying or neutering their dog is advisable. There are some health benefits involved with spaying and neutering, including reduced risk of mammary cancer for females.
Spayed and neutered dogs cannot produce accidental litters which is a benefit for many dog owners. Despite good intentions, many dog owners with intact dogs do allow their dogs to reproduce unintentionally. Unwanted puppies end up in animal shelters. Currently some 75 percent of dogs in the United States are spayed or neutered, so the vast majority of dog owners in the United States do spay or neuter their pets. Pet overpopulation is not the enormous problem that it once was, but some three million cats and dogs are still euthanized annually.
Spaying or neutering your dog at too young an age can pose certain health risks. Before deciding to spay or neuter discuss the decision with your dog's breeder or veterinary professional. Waiting until after a first heat is usually preferable to allow your dog to benefit from the growth hormones necessary for their physical development.
6. Why should I take my dog to obedience school?
Most dogs benefit from obedience training of some kind. Not only does obedience training teach your pet things he needs to know, but learning to learn together can improve communication between you and your dog. Formal obedience training can also provide a means of socialization for your dog, letting him spend time in a room full of unfamiliar dogs and people while experiencing new things.
by: Tristan Andrews
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