Are you thinking about bringing a dog into your home? Do you already have one? The following tips can help improve your abilities as an owner. You’ll discover some terrific suggestions that will help you to care for your pet.

If your dog is coming along on a family vacation, keep a picture of him handy or take one using 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.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is important, but it is not easy. If your dog is resisting, once a day simply lift their lips and use your finger to rub their teeth lightly. Do it quickly at first, and then begin to draw out the time you spend performing this action. This will help them get use to the process. After that, you can begin using an actual brush and toothpaste.

Teach your dog to be trained, even if you don’t plan on devoting a lot of time to special tricks. A dog needs to understand the basic hierarchy of the home and should be prepared to listen and learn throughout his life. Practice the basics like “sit” and “down” in the beginning and introduce something new every once in a while.

Pet

There are many pleasures derived from dog ownership, but it is also a serious financial commitment. Every dog is going to need supplies, good food, and will also need medical care. After all is said and done this could cost about $800 or more. One huge expense you might encounter is emergency vet care, so you may want to think about getting health insurance for your pet.

If you are looking for a great family pet, but are on a budget, consider rescuing an animal.You can get one at a local shelter for minimal costs and the dog will come with a clean bill of health and all his shots. If you are interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group specializing in only those pooches.

Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.

Never allow your dog to ride in a car unsecured. Sitting on your lap or in the front seat is dangerous both to him and your ability to drive. Always place him in an appropriately sized pet carrier or invest in a pet seat belt that will keep him snug and safe in the middle of the back seat.

Did you take the time to really absorb everything that you have just read? If not, take a few moments and reread the tips. They’ll really help when you’ve got an issue and need to take quick action. Utilize this advice, and you and your dog will have a wonderful relationship.