Tips To Being A Great Dog Owner

There is a common saying that a dog can be man's best friend. In every common saying, there is always some truth. If you're prepared for a pet, you can really build a great relationship. The article below contains information you need to read if you're going to care for a dog.

Make your home suitable for dogs. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. Medicine and cleaners should be stored, and indoor trash should be placed in a cabinet. Some indoor plants are poisonous, so put them high up.

Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. Your dog can really benefit from better food.

Ask your vet the amount of food your dog needs daily. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.

Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for your dog. A lot of these medications have ingredients that can be harmful to children and can cause cancer. Speak with your vet to see if there are any alternatives that are healthier choices for your pet and your family.

Don't force your dog to eat something. If you've purchased your dog treats that it doesn't want to eat, set them aside. Not all dogs like the same things.

When making a dog food selection, the cheap stuff is rarely the best choice. When you look at the big picture, it is good for your dog to consume nutritious, good quality food. Even though you are paying more, it will save on health bills down the road.

Trim your dog's nails on a regular basis. If they start to curl, your dog may feel a lot of pain. Find some good clippers you can use to trim your dog's nails yourself. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can take him to the groomers and have them done for very little money.

Certain health issues plague particular dog breeds, and you need to know what those conditions are for the type of dog you own. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.

Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. A full check-up, a clean bill of health, and a full complement of the necessary shots is the best way to start off your relationship with your dog.

Do you think you're better equipped to be a responsible dog owner with these tips under your belt? You have the information you need to make sure that you don't have to worry about your pet anymore. Use what you learned here to make sure your dog is happy and healthy.