Content written by-Rao Bowman

Owning a dog carries a lot of serious responsibilities. You must make sure your dog is always happy and healthy. Education is the key here, so do everything possible to make sure you are knowledgeable about dog care.

Dog-proof your home. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the whole area is safe. Put up all of your cleaning supplies and medications, and be sure you put away any trash cans. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog's reach or remove them.

Although the sound may be cute, your dog's nails shouldn't click along the floor when it walks. That's a sign that the nails are too long. The nails should actually just barely touch the ground. Seek the advice of a professional on what tools are the best for giving your dog a pedicure.

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.

Schedule regular veterinary visits. Regular veterinary exams are extremely important for your dog's overall health - as with humans, it is important to catch any health problems early on. The vet will make sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations, and check for any other issues such as weight and dental problems or parasites.

When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you've brought him home. Directly after getting your dog, be sure to make a check up appointment with a trusted vet. This allows the vet to look him over and schedule the necessary vaccines. Consider having your pup spayed or neutered as there is already an overpopulation problem.

Your dog needs to exercise regularly. Like humans, dogs must exercise to burn calories, remain healthy, and help their minds stay sharp. Exercising also helps them avoid boredom that can cause destructive behaviors. Keeping small white dog can curb chewing, biting, digging, and chasing urges. It can even help them avoid depression.





Shop carefully for a dog before you get a new one. Make sure that you have taken the time to research the breed and know how much exercise and grooming a new dog will need. If you take the time to choose carefully, you'll find that you are naturally a better match to the dog and both of you are happier.

If your dog has been playing outside, take the time to inspect its ears and neck for ticks. These parasites are very common and could make your dog sick if you do not take action right away. Take your dog to the vet if you do not know how to remove the ticks yourself.

Be prepared to have a lot of patience with your dog during potty-training. Much like children, dogs learn at different speeds and ages and your canine may be slow or stubborn. Have good resources at your fingertips to assist your efforts and remember not to get angry when your dog has "accidents" as that will only impede his progress.

It is important to train your dog as soon as you get him or her. Behavior that might seem cute as a puppy, can develop into bad habits as your dog matures. It is essential that your dog understands and obeys simple commands. Not only for your safety, but the safety of your dog as well.

Make sure you make and keep yearly vet appointments for your dog. Having the annual exam is the only way to diagnose problems that arise. In the long run, annual check-ups save the owner a lot of money and prevent the dog from a lot of unneeded suffering.

If you're eating a snack, you sometimes will feel like it's a good idea to share with your dog. Be careful, because some foods are harmful to dogs. Get More , grapes and chocolate should never be fed to dogs. Foods like these can cause huge medical problems.

Stepping on sharp objects or glass is a common hazard for dogs waling outside. If your dog gets a cut, make sure that it is washed with antiseptic and then have a bandage wrapped around the wound. If the cut continues to bleed, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.

Make wise choices when it comes to your dog's diet. There are several types of dog food to choose from but you need to find a food that is adapted to the age and size of your dog. When you give your dog leftovers to save money, you have to make sure your dog is getting the right nutrients and vitamins.

Try out a variety of rewards when training. Take the time to learn what will motivate your pet the most. Use food as a positive reward when you start. Maybe your dog will respond better to a game of tug-of-war with a favorite toy. Occasionally, a dog may just want to be petted for their reward.

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. You should also make sure your dog always has access to some cool water and.

When you first start training, experiment with several types of rewards. You need to figure out what motivates your particular animal. Many dogs are motivated by food, so make sure to have their favorite treats on hand while training. If he likes to play, engage him in a game when he successfully performs the action you are looking for. Some dogs just like to get petted and rubbed when they're good.

In the past, most people used dogs to help them hunt or herd. Now, the relationship between humans and dogs is very different. However, that doesn't mean the past no longer applies. There's a wealth of dog care knowledge out there, and if you use it, you'll be much better off.