TIP! It’s very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. Before bringing home your new pup, make sure that it’s safe.

Dogs can make great pets. They can give you love and happiness. However, to benefit both you and your dog, it would be to your advantage to know everything you can about them. This is the article which will start you down the road to mastering dog ownership.

TIP! You should not kiss your dog. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about.

If you take your dog with you on vacation, keep a photo of him on your phone. If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you have a current picture that you can show others or use to make “lost” posters.

TIP! A physical is good for you, and a yearly vet trip is good for your dog. Because your dog can’t speak with you, you may have trouble knowing when your dog is feeling pain like if it has arthritis.

When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.

TIP! Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message.

Use flea treatments with caution. There are ingredients in some of them that can risk cancer in your children. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.

TIP! If you’re on any kind of medication, even if it’s over-the-counter, you need to keep it away from your dog. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure.

You shouldn’t allow your pet off your property if it’s not wearing a leash, even if he is extremely well-behaved. There are quite a few things that could cause your dog to run off unexpectedly. You’re responsible for their actions and safety.

TIP! Purchase a dog that can keep up with your lifestyle. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you.

Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. Cheap brands are full of fillers, preservative and even chemicals. Find a trusted group that offers a list of healthy dog food. Your dog is going to be healthier if he eats better.

TIP! Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally.

Give your pooch rawhide bones instead of those from real meat. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.

TIP! Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. Keep your dog at your side when you are taking a walk.

The daily brushing of your dog’s coat is beneficial, in more ways that just stopping constant shedding. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin’s oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.

TIP! Be certain a lost dog can be returned to you by giving him some identification. Purchase a dog tag so your dog has identification.

Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. If you neglect your dog’s nails, they will be in discomfort. You can use store bought clippers to trim them yourself. It is best to take your dog to the groomer if you do not want to do it yourself.

TIP! Be proactive politically for your pet dog. Keep an eye on legislation that might regulate or restrict your rights as a dog owner.

Too many trainers spoil the process. Different people do things different ways, and you can confuse your pup. Have one person train and make everyone else do exactly the same commands during the day.

TIP! Never judge a dog’s health simply by how cold or wet its nose is. Even a sick dog can have a cold, wet nose.

Dogs provide people with lots of love that is simply impossible to match. However, in order to maximize your relationship with your dog, it’s necessary to know all you can about them. Following these tips will start you on your way to becoming an experienced and knowledgeable dog owner. The more effort you put into using this advice, the more both of you will benefit.