Dog Owner Advice For Those New To Dogs

Regardless of your level of experience with dogs, it is likely that you know that there is a lot that goes into raising a new dog. This is not something you can just jump into with no information. You should keep reading to learn more being a good dog owner.

It costs a lot of money to own a dog. When you add up the medical care, food and supplies in general, your costs could run from $700-$1000 annually. Emergency vet care is very expensive, in some cases thousands of dollars, so you might want to consider purchasing pet health insurance.

Your dog needs annual medical exams. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. Check-ups can reveal that and more.

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Exercise keeps your dog healthy, both physically and mentally. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. It also grows your bond with the dog.

If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. If your dog happens to get his feet wet for a long period of time in cold temperatures, it can cause health complications. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing shelter.

Keep trimming the soft hair near the paws of your dog to keep it from matting. You ought to use a comb as a means to straighten it before trimming. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.

Some dogs are more likely to have certain health issues, so you need to know what is expected for your dog. Check out their heritage and try to prevent problems that you know they're prone to. You can also speak with the vet about steps you can take to increase their lifespan.

Take the time to train your dog on a leash. Your dog should remain at your side and know the command "heel." This keeps you and your dog safe as you walk. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.

When your dog has a bathroom accident on the floor, be sure to thoroughly clean the area. Use some professional strength cleaners and a good odor remover that works. If you still smell poop, your dog will too and might strike again.

Dog ownership is not a responsibility you should take up without a lot of careful thought. It's a great deal of responsibility, after all. 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.

Prevent matting on your dogs paws by keeping the area well trimmed. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog's fur before trimming. If you're uncomfortable doing this, you should get a professional groomer to do it.

Know any canine laws that might affect your ownership. Be on the lookout for changes in local laws and ordinances that may restrict and regulate a dog owner's rights. Frequently, this sort of thing is just a knee-jerk reaction based on an isolated incident. Stand up for good dog owners and let local officials know your thoughts.

Make sure that you are keeping up with your dog's vet appointments. From thyroid issues to heartworm, your vet can find something wrong which isn't visible to the naked eye. Giving your dog an annual physical can prevent unnecessary suffering to the animal and unnecessary expenses later on.

As the beginning of this article discussed, owning a dog is very rewarding. The experience is greater the more you learn about dogs. Thanks to the knowledge found here, you should be more informed on dogs. Put the above tips to use and continue to learn more so that you are able to enjoy your new dog to the fullest.