Have Questions About Dogs? Get Answers Here

TIP! It can cost a lot to take care of a dog. The costs associated with general and medical care along with high-quality food can be upwards of a thousand per year.

Having a dog is a great joy, but this isn’t so with every dog. To enjoy the time you spend with your pet, you need the right information. The following tips will help you be an informed pet owner.

TIP! Don’t give table scraps to your dog. This will make your dog beg all of the time and also will make it not want to eat its regular food as much.

Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Each dog needs quality food, medical care and general supplies. It can cost you around $1000 each year. Emergency vet visits can cost a ton, so think about purchasing health insurance for your dog.

TIP! Talk to your vet about appropriate nutrition for your canine. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight.

Avoid kisses and stick with hugs. Kisses seem nice, but dogs have very dirty mouths. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. Many people believe that the human mouth has more germs than that of a dog – this isn’t true. It simply is not true.

TIP! Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. Cheap dog food contains lots of preservatives and additives that your dog doesn’t need.

Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Your dog can’t speak to you, which means it isn’t easy to tell if they’re having a tooth ache or issues with arthritis. Check-ups can reveal that and more.

TIP! If your dog will be outside, he will need a dog house. Adverse weather conditions can be detrimental to your pooch, causing illnesses, anxiety and poor behaviors.

If you’re taking your pup on a vacation, make sure that you take a picture of him for on your phone. This allows you to have a photo of him if he gets lost.

TIP! Brushing your dog every day is going to stop them from shedding in your home, but more than that. Regular brushing encourages a healthy, shining coat.

If there are prescription medications in your home, be sure to keep it out of your dog’s reach. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.

TIP! Don’t feed your dog the cheap stuff. When you look at the big picture, it is good for your dog to consume nutritious, good quality food.

Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. Puppies may lack the development needed to tolerate certain kinds of food without getting sick. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.

TIP! Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. There are many less than fortunate dogs in shelters that would love to find a forever home.

Which breed you need to buy depends on your lifestyle. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.

TIP! To prevent the hair around a dog’s paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. Before you trim, carefully run a comb through the hairs to separate them.

Offer rawhide rather than actual meat bones. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog. Rawhide is completely healthy and improves the teeth, and therefore is preferable to animal bones.

TIP! If you have one dog that seems lonely or is by himself often, consider another dog. Dogs generally like to have companions that are dogs.

If you want to keep your dog outside, build him or her a small shelter. This is especially important during wet weather. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.

TIP! Know that an animal doesn’t need too many people telling it what to do when it’s being trained. Different people do things different ways, and you can confuse your pup.

Make sure that you’re giving your dog enough exercise. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. Whether you decide to take the dog for a walk or if you’re just playing fetch, it will benefit both of you. It will help you form a much stronger relationship.

TIP! Remember to bring your dog in for regular veterinarian check-ups. Your dog should see a vet at least twice a year to make sure they are in good health and that they do not need new shots.

Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. Your pet shouldn’t be ahead of you, behind you, or anywhere that isn’t by your side. They should also answer correctly when you say “heel”. This will not only make your walks more enjoyable, but it will also help keep your dog safe. Even if you’re using a loose leash from time to time, you should still train your dog so that it understands when you issue that command.

TIP! Check your dog for ticks and fleas every day when the weather gets warm. Try to get rid of any fleas by using what is called a flea comb.

Being a good dog owner can be a lot of work, but it is also a very enriching experience. There is more to it than just choosing the cutest puppy. You’ll have to be very responsible with your new dog. Use the information obtained here to enjoy your pet more and make him feel like part of the family.


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