TIP! Make your home dog-proof. Create a safe area to bring a new puppy into the home.

Do you own a pet that is not well behaved? Does he chew on your personal things just for sport? If so, it’s time for you to give your four legged friend proper behavioral training. Look at this piece to get your dog in check.

TIP! While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is.

Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. You don’t know where your dog’s tongue has been, and you’re better off not knowing. It’s just a myth that your dog’s mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. However, this simply is not the case.

TIP! Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Dogs can’t talk, so how do you know he has arthritis, for example? Annual checkups can catch issues before they develop into something serious.

Always have your dogs spayed or neutered. Studies show that these operations help your dog live longer and can reduce cancer risks. In addition, dogs that are spayed or neutered do not have as strong of a desire to wander from their home, meaning that they are less likely to get lost or hit by a car.

TIP! When you take your dog with you on vacation, take a picture and save it to your phone. This will help in the rare situation that you get separated from your dog.

If your dog is coming along on a family vacation, keep a picture of him handy or take one using your phone. Therefore, if your animals get lost, there is a recent photo that can be used for the purpose of locating them.

TIP! Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Ask your vet for recommendations.

Know about what could go wrong with flea treatments if you have a dog. A large number of them contain high doses of carcinogens and other hazardous ingredients. Bring up the subject of alternative and family-friendly treatments the next time you see your vet, and always be sure to apply these treatments when no children are present.

TIP! You shouldn’t allow your pet off your property if it’s not wearing a leash, even if he is extremely well-behaved. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people.

Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. If you are a homebody, a small dog that lounges around a lot is a good fit. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.

TIP! When obtaining a shelter dog, you need to set up an appointment with your local vet immediately. They may be carrying some sort of illness that they picked up at the shelter.

Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Real bones can chip and become lodged in harmful place such as the digestive tract. Rawhide is completely healthy and improves the teeth, and therefore is preferable to animal bones.

TIP! Becoming a foster for a dog will help you decide if dog ownership is right for you. Thousands of animals are living in shelters, which is less than ideal for many dogs, while they wait for a chance to be adopted.

Avoid trying to force things into your dog. Some dogs won’t love all treats, and you shouldn’t push your dog to like something. It’s important to take your pets likes and dislikes into consideration and to not push them into anything unnecessary.

TIP! If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, or you simply want to be extra nice to him, leave some music on when you go to work. The music will calm the dog down, and they’ll feel like someone else is there.

Speak with a vet as soon as possible if you are adopting a dog. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.

TIP! If you have a dog that doesn’t look like it’s very happy because it’s always alone, think about getting your dog a friend. Dogs are pack animals by their very nature and usually prefer the company of their own kind.

Keep your dog mentally active along with providing him plenty of opportunity to get physical exercise. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. This will help your dog to feel like he is helping you out.

TIP! Dogs need to be exercised physically and mentally in order to stay healthy. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house.

Conduct daily flea and tick inspections on your dog when it starts getting hot outside. Comb your dog with a good flea comb to eradicate fleas. If the infestation is bad, there are treatments available. Try to get your vet’s opinion on these products or what you can do to help your dog.

TIP! Keep a close eye on a female dog when she’s in heat to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. A male canine might sense her from a distance of five miles.

Make sure you carefully consider what feeding program you will use with your dog. There are a variety of kinds of dog food on the market; you should choose something that is age and size appropriate. Ask your vet for advice.

TIP! You dog should go to the vet on a regular basis. Your dog requires an annual checkup and testing for heartworm, and the vet can ensure that your dog has had all the necessary vaccinations.

When you are nibbling on a snack, you might be tempted to let your dog have a taste. Some foods are okay to share, but there are foods that can be hazardous to a dog’s health. Your should not give your dog grapes, caffeine, or chocolate, for instance. Foods like these can cause huge medical problems.

TIP! When it becomes hot, do tick and flea inspections. Remove any fleas you find with a specialized comb.

Your dog’s unwanted behavior should stop soon. You don’t have to observe your dog ripping everything apart or barking at anyone who comes near it. Your dog’s behavior is based on you. Remember the tips that you read here and teach your dog good behavior.