Read this guide for great dog care advice.
Getting a dog is going to cost you some money. Not only do you have to buy food, but you have to pay their vet bills and purchase other items that they need. You could spend as much as a thousand dollars in one year on your pet! It can cost a lot of money to take your dog to the vet in an emergency, so you will want to investigate health insurance for your pet.
Make your home dog-proof. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Certain plants are toxic, and it's best to move them, too.
Neuter or spay your dog. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. Furthermore, altered dogs do not have the tendency to wander off, so they will stay safer.
Don't buy the cheapest food for your dog. Cheap brands usually contain preservatives such as sodium and other additives that can be dangerous for your dog's health. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.
Do not force your dog to eat things. If your dog doesn't like the treat you've bought, don't make him eat it. Not all dogs like the same things.
A daily brush will do much more than prevent your dog from constant shedding. It'll also give them a very beautiful and shiny coat. The reason for this is that brushing distributes a dog's oils from its skin so it looks soft and shiny.
Clip your dog's nails. When they start curling under, the dog runs the risk of experiencing pain. Find some good clippers you can use to trim your dog's nails yourself. If this idea makes you uneasy, a groomer can easily attend to them for you.
A daily brush does a lot more than just prevent shedding. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and beautiful coat. When you brush your dog, the oils on their skins are spread, creating skin that is soft, shiny, and healthy.
You can keep your furry friend mentally as well as physically active through plenty of exercise. Find ways for your dog to help you each day, such as training it to fetch the morning paper. This gives him a job to do and he'll feel fulfilled as a result.
If you'd like to be a dog owner, but think you might not be able to handle the commitment, consider fostering dogs. Shelters are full of animals who need a loving home, and there's not room to hold all of them. Become a foster parent to test the waters.
If you have a new dog, you need to determine where he will sleep. If your dog is in a crate during the night, do not let your dog in your bed. If you allow him into your bed, keep in mind that this may be where he ends up every night.
