Content by-Vinter Gustafson

They say that a dog is man's best friend, and truer words have never been spoken. If you are a dog owner, you know how loyal and loving a dog can be. However, it is not enough just to love your dog. You also know how to care for your dog properly. The following advice will help.

Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.

Never give your dog milk! It's not necessary for his body and he doesn't have the proper enzymes to digest it anyway. Feeding your dog cow's milk can lead to chronic diarrhea and leave him with an upset stomach, among other health problems. Stick with plain old water for a healthy and hydrated dog.

Do you have a "wrinkly" dog, like a bulldog? If so, you have to be conscientious about the grooming process in order to help keep your pet clean. After you brush, take a baby wipe and use it to get in between the folds on their body. Make sure, though, to get them fully dry after doing so.

In your backyard or in your house itself is the right place to start training your dog. Don't train in a park. Your dog could become distracted and will be tougher to teach.

In order to make sure that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to have access to clean water at all times during the day. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important components. The only exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy for three hours before bedtime.

Not every dog is capable of going to the dog park. Some dogs will not do well around other dogs that they do not know. Get to know how great dane puppies does around friends' or neighbors' dogs before you attempt to take him to the park. This way, you will know if he will be aggressive towards other dogs.





Follow instructions from the vet if the dog needs special attention or has medication. Your dog won't like a cone, but he has to wear it. Vet recommendations are for the health and well-being of your dog and failure to adhere to them could result in serious problems.

Dogs love to eat grass and other plants. When you're outside, this may not be much of a problem, but if you maintain houseplants indoors, chances are they are poisonous to dogs. Before bringing a dog into the home, make sure all your houseplants are well out of reach of a dog who may be tempted by a green tasty treat.

Punish your dog carefully. You should never punish your dog for a mischief that happened more than fifteen minutes ago since your dog will probably not establish a connection between the punishment and the bad behavior. If you catch your dog misbehaving, say no in a firm voice and have your dog sit in a corner for a few minutes.

Be strong when the time comes to say goodby to your beloved dog. Many owners keep the animal suffering to keep them in their lives and that's not fair to the dog. Consult with your vet, then talk it over with family. If it's time to part ways with your dog, do what's best for him.

If you've just brought home a new puppy, you need to designate a sleeping area for him. Crate training means starting from the very first night. Before letting your dog into your bed, you should be sure that you're okay with this being a long-term sleeping arrangement.

Always use a leash when your dog or puppy is out in public. This helps you make sure your dog always stays by you and prevents them from wandering off or getting into trouble. This can also help you restrain your dog if something upsets them so that they don't hurt another animal or person.

Just like people, dogs need plenty of exercise for optimum health. Dogs are naturally hunters and love to run by instinct. Take your dog to the park, play Frisbee with him and give him a daily walk. This will help keep him physically healthy but will also make him mentally healthier.

If you have a dog that chews constantly, buy him rawhide bones or dog toys. They may help your dog satisfy his urges to chew, while keeping items in your house safe. You can find a variety of these toys at pet stores or big box franchises.

Pay attention to your dog's breath. Dogs will always have "dog breath,"� however, really bad breath is a sign that they need a dental check up. Plaque buildup caused by bacteria could be the culprit and that will need to be treated by a professional. After their treatments, you will need to brush their gums and teeth and feed them food that helps maintain good dental health.

If you are going to bring a new dog into your home you should do a lot of the preparation ahead of time. You should have a nice place for it to sleep, food, grooming products and toys all on hand before they arrive. This will make the transition easier for everyone involved.

Your dog will be happier if you can keep him busy. Most bad behaviors are caused by boredom or anxiety. It can lead to mess making and other issues. Tired dogs are generally happy dogs. So keep your dog busy to ensure he behaves properly.

As was mentioned in the opening of this article, dogs make amazing pets. try this website are loving, loyal and protective. To be a responsible dog owner you must educate yourself on the best dog-care tips and advice. Apply the knowledge you've learned from this article to properly care for your pooch.