Authored by-Gram Perez

If you walk down the street, you probably notice that a lot of people own a dog. Perhaps you own one as well, and wish to know a little more about them. This article is going to teach you the basics of caring for a dog, along with other tips. Keep reading and you'll be an expert on dogs in no time.

Dog-proof your home. It should be perfectly safe before you bring a dog in. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some plants in your house may be toxic to your dog, so they should be kept where your dog cannot reach them.

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.

When giving your dog a bath, make sure that you only put on shampoo that is intended for canines. Using lukewarm water, get the entire body wet and then begin applying the shampoo to their face, working your way down their body. Wait a few minutes and then take a washcloth and wipe off the suds from your pet's face. Wash off the rest of the shampoo as well.

Pet-proof your home before bringing a dog into it, just as you would for a crawling toddler. You need to move anything toxic to a higher shelf and consider the danger that plants may pose if nibbled by your dog. Remember that anti-freeze is deadly and that leaving things like pennies or crayons on floors can pose a choking hazard to curious pups.

When clipping a puppy's toenails, start slow. Introduce your little dog to them before you begin cutting. You may only be able to get a single nail done during a sitting. It could take some time for puppy to become comfortable with the idea of nail clipping, but soon, you will be able to get through it all at once.

If training has become routine and boring with your dog, consider introducing agility exercises into the mix. These will still teach your dog to obey and be challenging, but they tend to be a lot more fun than the regular commands. Get the whole family involved by making an obstacle course and working the dog through it frequently.





Be a responsible dog owner, to represent the species well. For example, Pit Bulls are feared and often even hated in most places these days, due to irresponsible ownership. People tend to blame the animals when in fact it's the human factor influencing the dog's behavior. Train your dog well and leave a good impression on others!

Know the basics of pet first-aid if you have a dog in your family. Being able to react quickly in an emergency, such as your pooch being bitten by a snake, can mean the difference between life and death. Read a good book on the subject or ask your vet to brief you on the basics.

Having too many people trying to train one dog can cause problems. Everyone will have a different way of trying to teach the dog something, and that can make things confusing for the animal. Only allow one person to teach the dog things and then everyone else should learn what that person has taught the dog and stick with that.

If your dog spends a lot of time alone, think seriously about adding a second animal to your family. Dogs love to be social and hate to be alone. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.

If you bathe your dog often, watch out for signs of painful earaches that can be problematic for canines. They can happen when too much water gets into the ears. Use cotton balls dabbed in baby oil while giving him a bath, and that should keep water from getting in, even if he splashes around.

Your dog needs exercise and entertainment. By teaching your dog tricks that he can do around the house, such as grabbing the newspaper, you'll be keeping your dog mentally stimulated. This will make him feel like an active member of the family.

Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Your vet will give your dog an annual exam with any vaccines that your dog might need. A puppy will have to visit the vet more frequently. At the first sign of illness or if your dog is injured, don't hesitate to take him to the vet.

Just like recommended site , dogs need their exercise too. Playing a game of fetch or Frisbee is a great way to get your dog to burn some calories, while having fun at the same time. Dogs should also be walked everyday. Some dogs require more exercise than others, which is why it is so important to understand your dogs needs.

Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little Pedialyte to rehydrate him.

Your dog needs shelter from the sun in the summertime. You should not let your dog outside for too long unless there are a few cool spots in which your dog can be shielded from the sun. https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2021-06-01/bill-aiming-to-close-puppy-mill-pipeline-for-pet-sales-passes-state-senate-despite-some-bipartisan-opposition should also make sure your dog always has access to some cool water and.

When you bring a new dog home, the first thing you should do is make sure they'll always be able to get back to you. Invest in a safe collar and a tag that contains both your name and phone number. Most lost dogs don't make it home, but with a good tag, you can be sure yours will.

There is nothing quite like the joy a dog can bring into the lives of its owner. Although one must be knowledgeable and understand what it takes to sufficiently care for the pet so they are happy and healthy. The intent of this article was to provide you with such knowledge. Use it wisely and you will become a happier, more confident pet owner and a better friend to your canine companion.