How To Take Care Of A Dog

TIP! Dog-proof your home. You need to look for hazards around your home that your dog might run into.

Dogs need more care than some food and petting. Your dog needs constant TLC. How can you know what it is that your dog really needs? The following information in the article you're about to read has a wealth of knowledge from experts and other dog owners.

If you have medications at home, be sure to keep it out of your dog's reach. Call your vet immediately if your dog has swallowed the medication.

TIP! When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog.

Be wary about certain flea treatment you're going to use for your dog. Some medicines can put your kids at risk for diseases like cancer. Talk to the vet about safe alternatives and keep little kids away when applying any flea treatment.

TIP! Always give your dog lots of praise and hugs when it does something right. You want to reinforce your dog's good behaviors.

Speak with your vet about your dog each day. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. Your vet should be able to let you know how much to feed your particular dog.

Rawhide treats are the best options for your dog than real meat bones. Real bones can chip and become lodged in their mouths or digestive tract.

TIP! Trim your dog's nails on a regular basis. When they start curling under, the dog runs the risk of experiencing pain.

If you get your dog from the pound, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs are exposed to more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. You need to be sure that you get your dog gets their shots.

TIP! Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses.

Trim the hair around your pup's paws to prevent it from getting matted up. A comb is a good tool to straighten it before trimming. If you have a hard time with this, take your dog to a groomer.

TIP! The cheapest dog food may not always be the best buy when considering what food to feed your dog. When you look at the big picture, it is good for your dog to consume nutritious, good quality food.

Some dogs are more prone to problems than others and so you should know if your dog. Research his heritage and take preventative steps for problems he may be a candidate for.

TIP! If you want to get yourself a new dog, but aren't totally sold on the idea, you could try to get a foster pet. Shelters for abused or homeless dogs are often looking for temporary homes, called foster homes, where dogs can live until they are adopted out to a permanent home.

Your dog needs both physical and mental stimulation as well as ways to become physically active too. Teach him to get your newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. This kind of play will make your dog feel like he is helping you out.

TIP! Never miss one of your pet's annual check-ups. Your vet may see problems, such as thyroid problems, kidney problems, and diabetes, before you'll notice any signs.

Be certain a lost dog can always get back home.A popular way to ensure your dog is returned if he is lost is to attach an identification tag to his collar. Include all personal information on how to contact you. You may also have your dog.

TIP! Be sure your dog sees the vet once a year. 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.

Stay involved politically active for your dog. Be on the lookout for any new laws that may be passed which could restrict your rights as a dog owner's rights. It often results from one bad breed or certain owner's recent actions. Stand up for good dog owners and let local officials know your rights!

TIP! When you are nibbling on a snack, you might be tempted to let your dog have a taste. Certain foods are fine, but other are not very good for dogs.

Dogs sometimes get cuts by stepping on the ground. If your dog gets a cut, wash it thoroughly and put a bandage on it. If the cut seems unusually deep, check with your vet.

TIP! Do not just think your dog is ok because he has a cold nose. There are many reasons for your dog's nose to be cold and wet even if the dog is sick.

The more you know about dogs, the more enjoyable your relationship with your pet will be. As a result, you will achieve an excellent friend for years to come. Use the tips you just read and spend some time doing more research on dogs.