Dogs are great pets to have and can be very loving if you make sure that you properly care for them. Being a good dog owner doesn’t take any special talent; it simply comes down to patience and solid self-education. Continue on to gain some valuable insights on the best way to take of your friendly companion.

Make sure your house is free of doggy danger. Prior to bringing your dog into your home, be sure that it is entirely safe. Secure the trash can, stow way all medications and put away your regular cleaning supplies. Some very common plants are quite toxic to animals, so always make sure they are out of reach.

When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Dogs can have very negative side effects from even small amounts of medications intended for humans. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.

Table Scraps

Try not to feed your dog any table scraps. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food. Giving your dog table scraps isn’t good for his health as it could result in weight gain and digestive problems. Make sure your dog doesn’t hover around your dinner table so it isn’t tempted to eat your food.

It doesn’t matter how good your dog is, you should never leave your property without keeping him or her leashed. 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. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.

Allow your lifestyle to dictate the type of dog you adopt or purchase. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.

A dog that spends a lot of time outside should have a warm and safe shelter in case it is needed. If his feet get wet, being exposed to extreme weather can cause health issues and stress. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.

Never force a dog to do something. If you purchase a treat your dog doesn’t appear to like, just try another brand rather than making him eat. It’s important to take your pets likes and dislikes into consideration and to not push them into anything unnecessary.

Be sure to address your dog’s bad behavior when you first notice it. If you delay too long, the behavior will get harder and harder to correct. Be sure to control and contain your dog to prevent problems with people.

Some dogs are more likely to have certain health issues, so you need to know what is expected for your dog. Do what you can to combat those issues early. You should inquire with your vet about how you can take care of your dog the right way.

If you are interested in adopting a pure breed, consider visiting the dog pound. A lot of people give their dogs to the pound because they can no longer keep their pet for whatever reason. Contact your pound and ask them what breeds are currently there. You may even save a poor dog’s life.

If you have to go out, leave the TV or radio on when you leave. Your dog will appreciate the company of the sound, and he will feel more secure. This might just quell his anxiety while waiting for you to return.

Your dog needs exercise and entertainment. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. Your dog is going to feel useful and also stay quite sharp.

Be politically active when it comes to your dog. Be on the lookout for changes in local laws and ordinances that may restrict and regulate a dog owner’s rights. That legislations is often motivated by certain breeds or certain dogs that have behaved badly. You can be a great help by showing the local officials that responsible owners should have rights.

Dogs tend to get cuts and scrapes on their paws from things they step on. If your dog suffers a cut, clean it with antiseptic and bandage the wound. If the cut seems deep, visit your vet.

If your pet slips up and uses the bathroom in your home, be sure to remove every trace of the mess. Use some professional strength cleaners and a good odor remover that works. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.

Just because you have an outside dog, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t require the same attention as a dog that’s inside. Your dog could develop bad habits such as chewing or barking if it is alone all the time. He may also become a little aggressive. Give him lots of love and playtime to keep him happy.

Be careful about what you feed your dog. When they’re a puppy, you can give them calorie-dense foods since they need them for growth. However, if they eat the same kinds of foods when they get older they may gain a lot of weight and that isn’t healthy.

Dogs can be one of the most joyful presences in your household. However, in order to have a positive relationship with a pooch, you must take the time to learn about keeping him happy and healthy. With any luck, the article above has provided you with some valuable information when it comes to caring for your best buddy.