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TIP! It can be quite costly to own a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses.

Many people have had pets around them all of their lives. Even if you’ve always had a dog, there is something new to learn. The tips provided in this article will help you care and enjoy your dog for years to come.

TIP! Make your home suitable for dogs. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home.

Dog-proof your home. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. Hide medications and chemicals, cover your trash, and put food where he can’t get to it. Make sure no toxic plants are in the vicinity of your dogs.

TIP! Since your dog can’t talk to you, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation.

Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. This will only teach him to beg constantly and also inhibit his appetite toward his regular food. You might be wrecking your dog’s health by giving him table scraps. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.

TIP! Do not feed your dog from the table. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food.

Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Be careful about which foods you feed your dog.

TIP! If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see.

Take some time to trim your dog’s paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog’s fur before trimming. A professional groomer may be a good solution if you are confident about trimming the hair yourself.

TIP! Give your dog rawhide instead of real meat bones. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog.

Certain dog breeds are prone to specific health issues, so be aware of what is typical for your dog’s breed. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action.

TIP! Try not to force your dog to do new things. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t force him to eat it.

When the weather heats up, start checking your pet for ticks and fleas daily. Utilize a flea comb in order to eliminate any fleas on your pet. There are lots of flea and tick products for dogs. Speak with your vet concerning these products and other options.

TIP! Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already.

Prior to bringing home another dog, arrange a meeting between your current pet and your prospective pet. Just like people, dogs can have a personality clash. Having dogs that get along with each other makes your life that much easier.

TIP! If your dog is undergoing a course of treatment with medication or therapy, make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions precisely. The dog may hate that cone on its head, but it’s there for a very good reason! Your vet makes recommendations that will help your dog be happy and healthy, so you should follow your vet’s advice.

When snacking, you might allow your dog to have a bite or two of your food. While some foods are fine for sharing with your dog, there are some that must be avoided. Dogs should never be given things such as grapes, chocolate and caffeine. They can cause illnesses and, in some cases, even death, and your dog will not benefit by receiving them.

TIP! Some breeds have inherent health issues you need to watch for. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to.

There are a lot of factors that go into owning a dog. While those cute puppy faces can be hard to resist, it is important to remember that adopting a dog is a serious commitment. Take everything into consideration first to make sure you can provide your puppy with everything that he needs and to be able to manage it successfully.

TIP! If you have to go out, leave the TV or radio on when you leave. The noise make them feel more secure and keeps them company.

Having read the information above, you should now possess a solid understanding of dog care. As long as you’re applying and sticking with the tips, your dog ownership should go smoothly. If you’re still unsure of what to do next, just go over this article one more time.