The beagle is a popular animal that needs a lot of exercise and loves sniffing things.Since they were originally bred to hunt in packs, they love other animals and people.There are some things you need to know to care for a beagle if you decide to get him.
Step 1: Take him or her to the doctor.
If you take your beagle to the vet regularly, he will stay healthy.Take your beagle to the vet at eight weeks to check his health.They include those for diseases like distemper.Talk to your vet about preventative medication.Illness and death can be caused by this disease.Your beagle will need a booster shot after the first checkup.He will need a yearly checkup once he is older.
Step 2: Spay or nix your pet.
Fix your dog when he is six to nine months old.This can help with certain diseases.It will help you get rid of unwanted puppies.If you plan on breeding your dog, avoid doing this.New studies are coming out all the time regarding the health concerns of spaying/neutering while the beagle is young, so make sure to research this matter further.
Step 3: Breed specific diseases can be dangerous.
Some issues may arise because of your dog being a beagle.Your beagle will be more prone to these disorders than other dogs.Seizure disorders, Hypothyroidism, Hip dysplasia, and Inter-vertebral disc disease are some of the issues.
Step 4: Feed your dog food that's right for him.
You need to look for the highest quality dog food that is made for small breeds because there are many foods you can feed your dog.If the dog food contains quality ingredients that are specialized for small breeds, your beagle will do well with it.Meat and vegetables should be the first three or four ingredients.Meat by-products and wheat should be further down the list.
Step 5: A homemade diet is good for you.
If your dog doesn't do well on commercial food or if you want to make it yourself, consider a raw diet.To provide a balanced diet for your beagle, contact your vet to find an animal nutritionist.Your dog's quality of life may suffer if it isn't.
Step 6: Feed him the right amount
Feed your dog the recommended amounts every day in order to keep him in the right weight range.Measure the amount of food at each meal with a measuring cup.This will make sure you don't over feed or under feed him.To see the correct amount for your dog, look on the back of his food.Make sure you know how much he uses so you can feed him the right amount.The biggest issue facing dog's today is overfeeding.If you follow the recommended amount of food, don't feed him more than a treat or two a day because it will increase his calories intake.
Step 7: Your dog can be potty trained.
You need to potty train your dog in order to keep him happy and healthy.It takes time and patience.He needs a feeding and walking routine and good behavior when he goes to the bathroom outside.If you live in an apartment, you may need to paper train him.Depending on your dog, the length of time it takes to potty train will vary.Your dog will eventually learn if you keep at it.While you are potty training your dog, keep him in a small, easily cleanable area, such as a bathroom or laundry room.
Step 8: Your dog will be crate trained.
A crate is a good way to train your dog.This will help you travel with your beagle and keep him in a contained area when you aren't around.If you train your dog to use the crate correctly, it won't be a problem.The crate should be put in a place where he is comfortable.Encourage him to get inside with a treat for a few days.After a few days, close the door behind him.Gradually increase it until he is used to it and can stay there for a long time.Make sure the crate you buy is the right size for your dog.He needs a lot of space to be comfortable.He should be able to stand without a hunched back while in the crate.The crate can be smaller than this.
Step 9: Your dog can be exercised.
Your dog needs to exercise every day if he wants to be happy and energetic.There are two walks that last at least 20 minutes.The walks can be shorter if you are a puppy or elderly.You can play games with your beagles.
Step 10: Socialize your dog.
Your beagle was originally bred to be in packs and is now a social animal.Your dog needs to be socialized with other dogs as well as other humans.He can play with other dogs and meet other people if he goes to a dog park.He will love to play and will have an energetic spirit.He will love playing with you and other dogs.He can chase across the yard if you buy toys that he can throw.You can teach him good behavior by taking him to obedience classes.
Step 11: He needs to take care of his teeth.
Just like you do, your beagle will build up plaque on his teeth.You need to focus on his teeth, which can be done with dental formulated treats and brushing.As your dog chews on the treats, they help clean the plaque.He should brush his teeth at least once a week.Purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste for your dog from the pet store.Don't use human toothpaste because it's poisonous to dogs.Use a small amount of toothpaste on his finger to get him used to it.Work up to brushing his teeth by rubbing it along his gums.For about 30 seconds, you can work from the back to the front of his teeth.
Step 12: Cut his nails.
It's important to keep your dog happy by trimming his nails.The back nails are typically shorter and easier to handle.You can see the quick on the underside of his nails when you cut them.If you cut them, they will bleed.Remove two to three millimeter from the quick.Do the same thing for each nail.Ask someone to help you hold your dog.He could cause you to hurt him.You should buy a dog nail trimmer.Don't use scissors or human nail trimmers.Ask your vet to show you how to do it on your own.When you cut your dog's nails, it may cause him pain.
Step 13: Your dog.
Your dog's coat may be short, but he still has to be brushed.brushing him will help cut down on his shed.Remove loose fur with a short bristled brush.Fleas, ticks, and other skin conditions can be found while you do this.Treat parasites as soon as you can if you find them on him.Your house as well as his skin are included.