Want To Learn More About Dogs From The Experts?

When you first dream of getting a dog, it's all sweetness and submissiveness. What actually happens could be completely different. No matter what happens it is now your responsibility to make sure the dog is cared for, and the following article will show you how to go about doing that.

Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it's best to stick to rawhide. Real bones can chip and splinter, this can cause your dog to choke and wreak havoc on his digestive tract. Rawhide has been proven to be healthy for your dog. It is excellent for its teeth too, so do not give in to the temptation to give your dog a real bone no matter how hard it begs.

Be sure your dog is neutered or spayed. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of cancer. Dogs that are neutered or spayed don't have strong urges to leave their home, reducing their chances of getting hit by a vehicle or getting lost.

Use flea treatments with caution. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Talk to the vet to determine if there are other options for your dog.

Always give your dog lots of praise and hugs when it does something right. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. It also reinforces the idea that they will receive attention if they behave as you want them to.

Speak to your vet about your dog's eating habits. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. Your vet will know how much to feed your particular dog.

Make sure that you're giving your dog enough exercise. Exercise keeps your dog healthy, both physically and mentally. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it's just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. This will create a great bond with your dog when performing these activities.

You should always trim your nails. If they start to curl, your dog may feel a lot of pain. You can do this yourself using a pair of dog clippers from the pet store. If you're uncomfortable clipping them on your own, go to a professional groomer. Nail clipping is very affordable.

Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. A dog needs to play and exercise on a regular basis so that it can be happy and healthy. Even the smallest amount of exercise, such as throwing a ball, will be good for your pup and you. Not only does it give them the exercise they need, but it also improves your relationship with your dog.

When the weather heats up, ticks and fleas become active. If you do find fleas, you can use a flea comb. To rid your dog of fleas and ticks, look for products that get rid of them. Talk to your veterinarian about such products or any other options that are available.

Teach your dog the right way to walk with a leash. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you. This ensures his safety and will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.

When you are snacking, it may be tempting to share with your dog. Keep in mind that some foods are unhealthy for dogs. Dogs should never be given things such as grapes, chocolate and caffeine. There are many foods that can harm your dog's health.

Don't skip your dog's annual checkup. If your dog is regularly checked out by its veterinarian, they'll be able to catch things like diabetes or kidney problems before they grow into a major issue. An annual physical can save your dog's life.

Make sure you exercise both your dog's mind and its body. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. This will make him feel like an active member of the family.

There's a lot that goes into looking after a dog. Dogs require more than just food and walks. You must understand proper dog care methods. That way, it will be possible to have lots of happy times together.