Take Care Of Your Dog Well With These Tips.

TIP! There are many pleasures derived from dog ownership, but it is also a serious financial commitment. Food, vet care and supplies can add up quickly.

Being a dog owner can bring you a lot of happiness, but it can also bring you a lot of stress. You have to understand what makes your dog tick. You should go over this article to learn more about dogs and what you can do to be a good pet owner.

TIP! You must dog-proof your residence. Take the time to tour your home with an eye for safety before you introduce your dog to your home.

You should not kiss your dog. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. It’s an old wives tale that your dog’s mouth happens to be cleaner that a human being. It simply is not the case.

TIP! Always neuter or spay your pet. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer.

If you keep some medication in your home, make sure your dog cannot access it. If your dog has access to these pills, there can be fatal consequences. If your dog does ingest some of your medication, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.

TIP! Don’t let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they’re well behaved. Wild animals could get the dog’s attention and lead him into dangerous places, or unanticipated circumstances could provoke conflicts with others.

When you are training your dog, it is always best to incorporate the use of hand signals in addition to using verbal commands. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog. Try both ways of giving commands to see what works best.

TIP! Talk to your vet about what you feed your dog. If your puppy is very young, it might not be ready to consume specific brands, and feeding them to your pup can result in sickness.

Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. For instance, if you jog, a toy poodle may not be as great a choice as a dog that is able to run with you. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. When you match your traits and the traits of your pet, you will both be happy.

TIP! Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active.

A dog that spends a lot of time outside should have a warm and safe shelter in case it is needed. This is especially important during wet weather. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.

TIP! Speak with your vet about the amount of food you should be feeding your dog each day. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight.

Do not try to feed your dog something they do not like. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. When you get your dog you should spend some time with it to learn exactly what kinds of things it enjoys.

TIP! Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Real bones can break into pieces that can then become dangerous due to how sharp and small they can be.

Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. When they start curling under, the dog runs the risk of experiencing pain. You can use store bought clippers to trim them yourself. If you lack the confidence to do this job on your own, a pet groomer will usually do it at a low cost.

TIP! If your dog behaves badly, correct the behavior immediately. Ignoring it for a while can make it harder to correct later and you don’t know what may happen if you don’t.

Adequate exercise is an important consideration for dog owners. Exercise and play are necessary for a dog. They keep the dog fit and healthy, both physically and mentally. Whether you take a dog on an extended walk or toss a ball around, your dog and you will both benefit. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.

TIP! If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet right away. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs.

Schedule a vet appointment for the new dog. Immediately after bringing home the new dog, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. The veterinarian will make sure your pet is as healthy as you think he is and also talk to you about vaccinations. Unwanted puppies are a tragedy, so make sure your dog gets spayed or neutered.

TIP! Be certain a lost dog can be returned to you by giving him some identification. Consider purchasing a breakaway collar for your pet.

If you have just one dog who spends lots of time alone, consider getting a buddy dog. Dog’s love the companionship of others and enjoy another partner to play with. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.

TIP! Whenever your dog has a house-training accident, be careful to clean it very thoroughly. Clean it well, and then snuff out any remaining smell with an odor remover.

Keep a close eye on a female dog when she’s in heat to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. A male can pick up on her scent from as far as five miles away! As well as possibly causing a fight amongst male dogs in the area, she might actually get pregnant.

TIP! Conduct tick and flea inspection on your dog during the warm seasons of the year. If you do find fleas, you can use a flea comb.

Being a good dog owner can be a lot of work, but it is also a very enriching experience. You can’t just pick the cutest puppy at the store and live happily ever after. You have to do your part, too. Use the excellent tips provided here to improve your life with your dog.