Have Dogs? What You Should Know About Them!

TIP! It is important to puppy-proof your home. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe.

No pets can compete with a dog when it comes to loyalty, love, and affection. They are great pets for children and show compassion for adults. The following tips can help you care for your dog more effectively.

TIP! Know about what could go wrong with flea treatments if you have a dog. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Talk to the vet to determine if there are other options for your dog.

Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. It’s an old wives tale that your dog’s mouth happens to be cleaner that a human being. This is not in the least bit true.

TIP! Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. The brands that are cheaper have preservatives, additives, as well as other things that aren’t good for your dog.

You don’t want to buy the bargain dog food. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.

TIP! Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses.

Avoid trying to force things into your dog. If your dog is not interested in a treat, do not force your pet to eat it. When you have a dog, get to know his likes and dislikes.

TIP! Be certain that your dog is getting sufficient exercise. Exercise and play are necessary for a dog.

Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Playing and exercising are two crucial components of any healthy dog’s life. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. Every time you play with or exercise your dog, you will find that you are promoting a lasting bond.

TIP! Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. He should stay by your side, not in front of or behind you, and respond to the command “heel”.

Always buy high quality food for your best friend. Later on, it will help that you’ve fed your dog quality and nutritious food. You’ll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.

TIP! Make sure that your dog is not kept outside your home all day long. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with others.

Help your dog to stay active mentally and help him to exercise enough. Teach your dog to retrieve the newspaper or perform chores in your home. Your dog is going to feel useful and also stay quite sharp.

Female Dog

TIP! Keep your annual appointments for check-ups with your dog. If your dog is regularly checked out by its veterinarian, they’ll be able to catch things like diabetes or kidney problems before they grow into a major issue.

Take care with a female dog in heat, unless you want a lot of puppies. Male dogs can pick up the scent of a female dog in full heat up to five miles away. As well as possibly causing a fight amongst male dogs in the area, she might actually get pregnant.

TIP! You need to perform daily tick and flea inspections on your dog as spring and summer approaches. You can get a flea comb that will help with the removal of fleas on your dog.

You should be an activist for your dog. Watch for local legislation that may be passing through the system, restricting and regulating dog owner’s behavior and rights. These sort of things typically happen because of a few dogs acting out, or popular opinions about a certain breed. Get in touch with local officials to let them know about the good behavior of your dog.

TIP! If you have a snack, you might think that it’s okay for your dog to take a bite. Keep in mind that some foods are unhealthy for dogs.

You dog should go to the vet on a regular basis. Dogs need to go to the vet for a check-up, but also to check for heartworm and to ensure they have all their shots. When your dog is still a puppy, it’ll need to go to the vet more often. This will help your vet diagnose any physical issues with your dog.

TIP! Some vitamins can be bad for your dog’s health. If you feed your dog a balanced diet, there is no need to give him extra vitamins.

There’s a lot that goes into looking after a dog. There is more to the task than simply walking and feeding it. You need to be aware of how to properly look after your dog. For many years of companionship and joy, follow the great advice in the article above.