Buying A Dog? Consider This Advice First

TIP! Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. Dog kisses are adorable, but your dog’s mouth is really dirty.

Your dog might scratch his bowl when hungry. Dogs who need to eliminate will often scratch at the door. When dogs are looking for love, they might even gaze into your eyes. Unfortunately, your pet won’t be able to express all its desires easily. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of what a dog needs.

TIP! If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects.

Take the time to make sure your house is dog-proofed. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.

TIP! Resist the urge to give your dog table scraps. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes.

If you’re taking your dog on a trip, be sure that you have a recent picture of them on-hand. This way, should he get lost, you have a picture you can show others. You can also use the picture to hand our “lost” flyers.

TIP! Don’t purchase cheap dog food. Many of the cheapest brands contain additives, preservatives and other things that can compromise the health of your dog.

You should never give table scraps to your dog. If you do, he will hang around you constantly wanting more every time you eat. Your dog may also stop eating his own food as much. “People food” can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. If you spend the time to train your dog to spend mealtimes well removed from the table, there won’t be any scrap-feeding temptations to worry about.

TIP! Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Real bones can chip and become lodged in harmful place such as the digestive tract.

Don’t ever give your dog bones. Real bones can chip and splinter, this can cause your dog to choke and wreak havoc on his digestive tract. Also, rawhide is better for the health of your dog’s teeth.

If your dog will be outside, he will need a dog house. This is especially important during wet weather. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing shelter.

TIP! When you first notice behavior problems in your dog, take proper steps to correct the behavior. When you let it go, he thinks it is okay to do.

The daily brushing of your dog’s coat is beneficial, in more ways that just stopping constant shedding. A daily brush will make their coat radiant and shiny. Oil is distributed as you brush their hair, which keeps both fur and skin healthy.

TIP! Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. Long-term, the dog will do much better with nutritious, good quality food.

Make sure your dog engages in sufficient amounts of exercise. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. You will enjoy the time you spend doing these things with your dog as well. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.

TIP! Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. Make an appointment as early as possible.

When buying your dog’s food, do not get the cheap stuff. It is vital to give your dog the best quality food. It costs more, but you’ll save money on vet bills for health issues down the road.

TIP! If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it.

Keep the fur around your pup’s paws trimmed so that it does not get matted. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. If you’re uncomfortable trimming hair, you should probably have your dog groomed by a professional.

Develop Certain

TIP! Have your current dog choose your new dog. While dogs are naturally social, some find it easier to get along with newcomers than others.

Some dog breeds are more likely than others to develop certain health issues. Check your dog’s genetic background if possible to determine if he is more likely to develop certain medical conditions. Talk to the vet to find out what you are able to do to assist your dog in beating the prognoses of his breed.

TIP! Dogs do not necessarily need vitamin supplements like humans. Dog food usually meets your dog’s nutritional requirements by itself.

Your dog needs plenty of affection. As with most things, owners tend to focus more on the bad behavior instead of the good. You might have a hard time later on. Give your dog positive reinforcement every time they do something right. Your dog will be better behaved.

TIP! Don’t surrender to your dog’s whims. When someone owns a dog they sometimes think that they should sneak the dog a snack or allow it to break things in the home.

Exercise is vital when you own a dog. For example, train your dog to retrieve the newspaper or other helpful chores. Many dogs were originally bred to work, and will get frustrated if you do not give them a job to do.

TIP! When thinking about getting a dog, it may be a good idea to also look into obedience classes for your new dog. You will have a better life, and so will your dog, if you train it well and teach it to obey the commands you give it.

Bring your dog to a veterinarian regularly. You need to make sure your pet is caught up on shots, and it’s smart to get tests done for heartworm and other issues. Having a puppy means regular visits to the vet. Plus, you need to take immediate vet action if the dog shows any signs of injury or illness.

TIP! Talk to your veterinarian regarding the right food for your dog. Your vet will consider any special needs your dog has, as well as be knowledgeable about the quality of various types of dog food on the market.

Clean up completely if your dog uses the bathroom on your floor. Use some professional strength cleaners and a good odor remover that works. If any of the smell remains, your dog might be encouraged to do the same thing, in the same spot, all over again.

TIP! Your puppy may look adorable when it nibbles on your slippers, but it won’t be so cute when a full grown dog tears them to pieces. Teach your dog while he is young what kind of behavior is acceptable.

If you’re having a snack, you may feel like it would be okay to give your dog a bite. Certain foods are okay for this, but some foods are not good for dogs. Onions, garlic and chocolate are just a few foods which are intolerable to dogs. These foods can hurt a dog from the inside out.

TIP! Set rules for the dog, and make sure they are followed. Perhaps your spouse is gone, and you want to let the dog sleep with you for a single night.

Train your dog using positive reinforcement. Using praise and rewards helps your dog learn quicker than other ways, such as dominance or violence. Humane treatment is better for your dog, and it’s a lot more effective. So, behave in a friendly manner when you train your dog for best results.

TIP! If going to be gone for a couple days, hire a reliable pet sitter to take care of your dog. Pet sitters go to your house to walk and feed them.

They say dog’s faces show a lot of emotions, and that fact is not very surprising. Therefore, it is crucial for you to implement body language when communicating. You will have a happy dog for that.