TIP! If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. You’ll be prepared to take effective action in case your pet gets lost.

Do you want to learn more about the various dog foods available? Many people think that they could be taking better care of their furry friends if they knew how. People often make sure they’re doing right by their dogs. Read this article to find out what steps you can take to ensure a happy, healthy life for your dog.

TIP! Make sure you are using the right flea treatments on your pet dog. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Ask your vet for recommendations instead, and keep children away while you’re applying flea treatments.

You should not kiss your dog. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. It’s an old wives’ tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. It certainly isn’t the truth.

TIP! Talk with your vet about the foods you should feed your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to properly digest certain brands, sometimes causing an adverse reaction.

Be wary about certain flea treatments to use for your dog. They contain carcinogens proven to cause cancer in kids. Ask your vet for recommendations instead, and keep children away while you’re applying flea treatments.

TIP! Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. Long nails cause huge amounts of pain.

Take some time to schedule dog training sessions in your own home and backyard. It is not a good idea to train them in areas where a lot of people are present. They may get distracted and it will be more difficult to teach them even the most basic commands.

TIP! If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. You need to find out if they picked anything up at the shelter.

Never let the dog go off your land without its leash, regardless of its good behavior. Anything can happen, causing your dog to run away or get in a fight with other dogs or even people. As the owner, you will be held responsible for any damages your dog causes.

TIP! Always teach your dog to walk properly on a leash. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you.

Hand signals are great when they are paired with verbal commands. Your dog can figure out things easier when they get these signals. Give both methods a try, and see for yourself which your dog responds best to.

TIP! Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Many homeless and abused animals are waiting in shelters for someone to adopt them and with over-crowding, resources are slim.

Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. Dogs need routine activity and play in order to stay happy and healthy. 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! Whatever your vet recommends, do it. For instance, your dog may need a cone and not like it, but your vet prescribed it for a reason.

Always make sure your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. Your dog should walk beside you, not lag behind or run ahead, and should obey the command “heel.” Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. By having your dog understand this command, it will be very helpful for most situations.

TIP! Certain breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of what’s typical for your type of dog. Do what you can to combat those issues early.

As you can see, there are many options to properly care and feed your dog. There are a lot more dog foods than what you see in the grocery store. Just remember the information from this article and provide your dog with the best possible care.

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