Good Solid Advice About Dogs That Anyone Can Use

Do you think owning a dog is the best job in the world? There is a reason that dogs are the most popular pet! Dogs love to play, love to give affection, and are very good at cheering their owners up. This makes for a great companion. Your dog could be a great addition to your family if you take the time to train it properly. The following tips and advice will help you.

TIP! Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Since your dog cannot talk to you, it may be hard to determine when arthritis is setting in or a tooth begins hurting.

It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. Emergency care for animals can cost thousands of collars, so think carefully about getting pet health insurance.

Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. Dogs will eat their own waste, dine on garbage, and gulp water straight from your toilet. It is folk wisdom that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a humans. It certainly isn’t the truth.

TIP! Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people.

Make sure that your dog is spayed or neutered. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.

If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.

TIP! Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. Sometimes, your puppy may not be developed enough to consume certain brands, as this can lead to an upset stomach or sicknesses.

Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. Similarly, if you’re quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. Both of you are sure to be happier if you choose a good match.

Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in cold weather. Adverse weather conditions can be detrimental to your pooch, causing illnesses, anxiety and poor behaviors. Always protect him from wind, sun and rain by making sure he has a dry shelter to go to.

TIP! Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. Sometimes the guidelines on pet food labels aren’t correct, and following them could lead to obesity.

If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Illness is common in shelters, and your new pet could be at risk or already nursing an ailment. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.

If you’d like to be a dog owner, but think you might not be able to handle the commitment, consider fostering dogs. There are many less than fortunate dogs in shelters that would love to find a forever home. You can give one a home for a while to help the cause and you can also keep it if you like it!

TIP! If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter.

Trim hair around a dog’s paws so that hair mats don’t form. Prior to trimming the hair, make sure the hair is straight by using a comb. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, a professional can always step in to help.

Since your dog makes for a friendly companion you should reciprocate the love and be a good friend to them too. You can more effectively care for your dog when you remember the tips listed in this article. Your animal deserves a great life, and by using the material in this article, you can have one too.