Article by-Leslie Sejersen

Dogs are great fun. They can be a great pet for anyone from a small child to a very old senior citizen. However, you need to make sure that you are caring for your dog in the right way. After all, you want your dog to live with you for as long as possible, right? Here are some tips to help you have a healthy, happy dog.



Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Talk to your veterinarian about safer alternatives.

Never allow your dog to ride in a car unsecured. Sitting on your lap or in the front seat is dangerous both to him and your ability to drive. Always place him in an appropriately sized pet carrier or invest in a pet seat belt that will keep him snug and safe in the middle of the back seat.

Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide them with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.

Designate a family member or close friend to be responsible for your dog, should something happen to you. If you are in an accident and unable to get home, your dog will need someone to feed him and address other needs. Perhaps you trust a neighbor with your house keys and they could act for you in a time of need.

Be a good neighbor and discourage your dog from barking, unless he is alerting you to danger. Most people get used to the sound of their dog yelping, but others find it a constant annoyance. If your dog barks often, consider talking to your vet about what could be causing it and how you can put a stop to it, for everyone's sake.

Make over at this website that you trim your dog's nails on a fairly regular basis. You do not want them to get too long since it will make it uncomfortable for them to walk and they may develop health issues. They should be at a length that just about touches the ground.

Become familiar with the medical peculiarities of the breed of dog you have chosen. Research the kind of dog you have and see if there are any preventative measures you can take. You can also speak with your vet about any precautionary measures you can take to help your dog avoid the problems associated with his breed.

Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical and mental. You can have him fetch things like the paper, or perform other household tasks. Your dog is going to feel useful and also stay quite sharp.

Give your dog a great place to sleep. Every dog needs a bed to call his own that is temperature controlled and comfortable. If not, the dog may alternate sleeping locations between undesirable locations, such as your sofa when you're not watching. A bed also gives him a great sense of security and belonging.

You must learn how to introduce your dog to other dogs. Keep him on his leash during introductions so you have better control. Start with a walk by while keeping his attention on you. Then, on the next walk by, allow the dogs to sniff each other a bit. This will allow them to get to know each other without the dangers of attacks.

Designate a family member or close friend to be responsible for your dog, should something happen to you. If you are in an accident and unable to get home, your dog will need someone to feed him and address other needs. Perhaps simply click the up coming site trust a neighbor with your house keys and they could act for you in a time of need.

If you have a new puppy in the house that suddenly begins chewing things, do not fear. This could be a sign that your puppy is teething. To keep puppy from chewing on your belongings, make sure that you have provided him with plenty of chew toys of his own.

If you're going to be away from your dog for a short period of time, it might be a good idea to invest in a dog crate. A crate for your dog will provide it with a safe and secure area to go into when you aren't able to watch it for a period of time.

Get involved with politics and stick up for your dog! Watch for local laws that people are trying to pass to restrict how dog owners have to behave and what their rights are. Frequently, this sort of thing is just a knee-jerk reaction based on an isolated incident. Be sure to voice your concerns in regards to dogs and dog owners by staying in touch with local officials.

Before you decide to go get a dog you should think about the individual needs of different breeds of dogs. Some dogs can get enough exercise in the home, while others may need a few hours outside each day. These factors can mean a lot when it comes to meeting the needs of your new family member.

Outdoor doghouses are not enough to keep your furry friend comfortable in cold weather. You must also provide some sort of bedding for him. Choose from straw, hay, cedar bedding or even blankets. Make sure that you change the bedding often no matter what you choose to ensure that there no bugs move in and mold doesn't grow.

Bigger is not better when selecting a dog house. Allow for room for growth, but do not go much bigger than what you will need for him to be comfortable as an adult. This will allow the entire house to heat from his body heat during the cold winter months.

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of how to take care of your dog. By using this advice on a daily basis, you can enjoy many years of companionship with your furry friend. Keep your dog happy and healthy throughout its life by using these tips.