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TIP! It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. Expect to spend from $700 to as high as $1000 in a year to pay for medical attention, food and other items needed.

Dogs are extremely popular pets. If you are contemplating dog ownership or already have a dog, there are many things you ought to know. This article will provide you with great tips on caring for your dog.

TIP! You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints.

Take the time to make sure your house is dog-proofed. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Certain plants are toxic, and it’s best to move them, too.

TIP! Dogs can’t talk, so you must learn their body language. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal.

Consider the situation before allowing a dog to kiss your face. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. Dogs will eat their own waste, dine on garbage, and gulp water straight from your toilet. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is simply false.

TIP! If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills.

Get your dog neutered. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.

TIP! Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active.

Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. If your dog seems hesitant when meeting another person or dog, do not force them to interact. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.

TIP! Don’t go for the cheap stuff when you buy dog food. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food.

Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. Your dog may pick things up much easier when they are given these type of signals. Try using both ways with your dog to see which works best.

TIP! Don’t give your dog real bones. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog.

Buy or build a home for the dog if they need to stay outside when it’s cold. If his feet are wet, extreme temperatures can be stressful and bad for his health. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.

TIP! If your dog must be outside, build him a house. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems.

When obtaining a shelter dog, you need to set up an appointment with your local vet immediately. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. You need to be sure that you get your animal all of the shots it needs prior to bringing it home.

TIP! Learn what health problems are most typical for your breed of dog. Research the breed of your dog and take steps to ensure he does not get any infections or diseases.

If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. Shelters are full of abused and homeless dogs and they are hard pressed to give them all proper care. Fostering an animal will help animals and help you decide whether or not you would like to keep a dog of your own.

TIP! Make political decisions which will help your dog! Keep your eye on potentially-restrictive legislation regarding dogs. Frequently, this sort of thing is just a knee-jerk reaction based on an isolated incident.

These tips will help you become a better owner for your dog. Incorporate the tips you learned here and use them when caring for your dog, and soon you’ll see a remarkable difference in the life of your dog. This article describes everything you need to know about caring for dogs.