TIP! If you’re taking your pup on a vacation, make sure that you take a picture of him for on your phone. If he is ever separated from you, it will be easy to show people what he looks like or print out flyers with a recent picture showing that you are looking for him.

Dogs have special abilities that provide companionship and loyalty that rivals humans. It is vital for all pet owners to know how to take good care of their pets and keep them in tip-top shape. This article is going to teach you what to do so read over it.

TIP! You should never give table scraps to your dog. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food.

Owning a dog takes a bit of money. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. Pet health insurance can help; although you will pay a monthly or yearly fee, you will often be covered if a big medical emergency occurs for your pet.

TIP! Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise.

Make your home dog-proof. It should be perfectly safe before you bring a dog in. Hide medications and chemicals, cover your trash, and put food where he can’t get to it. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.

TIP! Be sure to praise your dog thoroughly any time it behaves correctly, such as sitting when it is time to put their leash on. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often.

Consider the situation before allowing a dog to kiss your face. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. That tidbit of information is plain wrong.

TIP! Speak to your vet about your dog’s eating habits. Though some folks feed whatever the package recommends, those guidelines are not always appropriate and can lead to overfeeding.

If you are on any kind of medication, you should ensure your dog never gains access to it. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.

TIP! Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues.

Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. Some puppies take longer to develop, and some types of food may be too rich, leading to an upset belly or vomiting. Therefore, ensure you are cautious whenever providing your dog a new food.

TIP! A dog’s bad behavior should always be corrected whenever you see the first signs of it. When you ignore this behavior, your dog thinks that it is okay.

Daily brushing for your dog does more than simply prevent shedding. Their coat will become shinier when they are brushed everyday. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin’s oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.

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TIP! Your dog needs attention and shouldn’t be left alone outdoors all day. Understand that dogs need to interact with other people and animals.

Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. When you look at the big picture, it is good for your dog to consume nutritious, good quality food. It costs more, but you’ll save money on vet bills for health issues down the road.

TIP! Make sure that your dog goes to it’s vet for a checkup each year. Having the annual exam is the only way to diagnose problems that arise.

If your welcome a new dog into your family, immediately schedule a check up for him. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. This allows the vet to look him over and schedule the necessary vaccines. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.

TIP! If you are getting a second dog as a companion for one that you already have, consider taking your current dog along when you make your final selection. Dogs are quite social, though not all get along well.

If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. They may not like their cone, but they need it for a purpose. You will leave your dog open to serious health problems down the line if you do not follow the advice from your vet for the health of your dog.

TIP! Don’t let the temperature of your dog’s nose be the indicator of his health. Your dog can be sick even if his nose is healthy.

Identification will be great in the event that your dog gets away from you. A collar with identification is a great way to ensure that your dog is found and returned if it happens to get lost. Include your dog’s name and information on how to contact you. Another option is to have a micro-chip put on your dog.

TIP! Before getting a dog, think about how much free time you really have in your life. Wanting a dog is easy, but it is not always easy to deal with responsibilities of dog ownership.

Get to your vet on a regular basis. 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. You will need to see a vet more often if the dog is a puppy. If your dog seems sick or hurt, you should go to the vet immediately.

TIP! If you have a puppy, it’s a smart idea to socialize him with some more dogs soon. Taking your dog to a dog park, on a play date, or to a groomer is a good way for them to socialize with other dogs.

Carefully pick the foods you feed your dog. You’ll find a wide variety of food to buy, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Choose the food that fits both your dog’s age and size. Ask your vet for advice.

TIP! Walk your dog daily, even if you’re busy. Your dog needs some fresh air, some exercise and going for a walk is a great opportunity to discover new smells and perhaps meet other dogs.

Rely on positive reinforcement when you train your dog. Using praise and rewards helps your dog learn quicker than other ways, such as dominance or violence. Using humane training tactics will be healthier for the dog and will be much more effective. Therefore, be kind when training your dog and enjoy the great outcome!

TIP! It may be cute when your plays with your slippers, but you won’t appreciate it if he chews them up. Therefore, you need to take action and eliminate this bad habit immediately.

Owning a dog brings great benefits and great responsibilities. The best thing to do is to spend time learning about all of the things your dog may need. This article will have provided you with a great resource for tips and advice.