Nurturing And Loving Your Dog: Care Tips

TIP! It takes quite a bit of money to take good care of a dog. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year.

Do you have a dog in your house currently, or did you own one previously? If so, then you already know how wonderful being a dog owner is. A solid base of knowledge will prepare you to be an even better dog owner, just as is the case with so many other life skills. The tips in this article will help any dog owner improve the care they give their pet.

TIP! A physical is good for you, and a yearly vet trip is good for your dog. Since your dog cannot talk to you, it may be hard to determine when arthritis is setting in or a tooth begins hurting.

If there are prescription and other medications within your home, keep them away from your dog. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.

Table Scraps

TIP! If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal.

Avoid giving your pup table scraps. Not only will table scraps turn your dog off on their regular food, but it will also teach them to constantly beg. Table scraps can actually lead to obesity and other health concerns. Don't allow your dog to beg at the table while you are eating.

TIP! Don't give table scraps to your dog. That encourages him to beg and makes him not want his own food.

Talk to your vet about appropriate nutrition for your canine. It is important to follow guidelines for the sake of your dog's health. Speak with a vet about your dog's needs and what they should have.

TIP! Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach.

Don't buy your dog cheap dog food. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food. You should contact an animal advocacy group or a consumer awareness program to get some recommendations for quality dog foods. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.

TIP! If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy.

Never force a dog to do something. If your dog doesn't like a treat you give him, let it go. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.

TIP! When you brush your dog every day, you reduce shedding problems and benefit your dog's health in many ways. Brushing your dog every day helps its coat become beautiful and shiny.

Train your pet on how to behave correctly when leashed. Your dog should remain at your side and know the command "heel." This will ensure that your pet is not too far ahead or behind you. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.

TIP! Trim your dog's nails regularly. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain.

Get your dog's hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn't get matted up. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. If this process is something with which you are uncomfortable, have a professional groomer do the job.

TIP! Always buy high quality food for your best friend. It will benefit your dog greatly if he is fed food that is nutritious and high in quality.

What types of health problems are typical for your dog? Find out what your dog's breed frequently suffers from and the symptoms. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action.

TIP! When you get a new dog, set up an appointment for him at the vet. This should be one of the first things that you attend to when you're bringing home a new pet.

When seeking pure bred dogs, you shouldn't automatically rule out pounds. There are people who drop off pets for many different reasons, such as moving abroad or the death of an owner. Call the pound to see what they have available. You may even save a poor dog's life.

TIP! Make sure you heed the vet's instructions when it comes to medications and special care requirements. The dog may not be fond of the treatment or medication, but it's for its health.

Ensure your dog will return by placing some type of identification on them. Keep identification on your dog's collar. The tag needs to have your name and phone number on it. It is also possible to get your dog micro-chipped.

TIP! Some dog breeds are more likely than others to develop certain health issues. If you don't know the type of dog he is, research it so you will know the type of problems your dog could have.

Dog ownership brings great rewards. Even more rewarding when you know all there is to know about dogs. With the knowledge you've gotten here, you are better prepared than ever to be a great dog owner. Take advantage of what you have learned and enjoy a healthy, happy relationship with your dog!