Need Help Caring For A Dog? Read This Now!

You need to do more than pet and feed your dog. A dog needs total care. How can you learn what it is that your dog really needs? The article below has the information you need to become the best dog owner ever.

Hugging is okay but kissing should be avoided. A dog has a very filthy mouth. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor's trash. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. This is simply false.

Give your dog hugs, but don't kiss him. Dog kisses are adorable, but your dog's mouth is really dirty. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog's butts. Keep in mind that an animal's mouth is full of germs. This statement is most definitely not true.

Know about what could go wrong with flea treatments if you have a dog. 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 about different forms of treatment that are safer for use around small kids.

If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Many medicines that benefit you can be harmful or fatal to your dog. If your dog does ingest some of your medication, get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.

If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. Illness is common in shelters, and your new pet could be at risk or already nursing an ailment. It's smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.

Do not overlook your dog's bad behavior. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. Not only will it be difficult to curb the bad behavior, he can pose physical harm to you or someone you love.

Trim your dog's nails regularly. If they start to curl under then your dog may start to feel pain. You can buy clippers in a pet store and do them yourself. If you don't feel comfortable doing this on your own then you can hire a groomer to do it for a little bit of money.

If you want a dog but don't know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. Many abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting for adoptions, but there is a lot of overcrowding and many resources are scarce. Foster one of these dogs to help and see if you wish to care for one.

If your dog spends a lot of time alone, think seriously about adding a second animal to your family. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and they like to be around other dogs. Choose another dog whose energy level and temperament matches your dog's, and you should have a good match.

Owning a dog can be a great thing. The best thing dog owners can do is study dog care information. This article has taught you a basic knowledge, now keep learning to find out more.