Dogs are often considered among man’s best friends. That’s probably true. Make sure that you handle a dog with care and compassion. If you’d like to forge a closer bond with your canine companion, just take a look at the great suggestions provided here.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Plenty of dogs are overweight, and just like humans, this can lead to health issues. People tend to overfeed their dogs, and many also feed them table scraps. A dog doesn’t need as many calories as most people think; talk to your vet about how much you should feed him each day, and what food is most suitable. A vet will advise you based on his size, age and lifestyle.

Try not to force your dog to eat things. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. You need to find out what your dog does and does not like.

You may be tempted to use your favorite hair shampoo on your dog, but this should not be done. Human shampoo can cause dog skin to dry out. Instead, find a quality shampoo that is made for dogs. When you bath your dog, make sure to rinse all of the residue out of his fur.

If your vet gives you special instructions for your dog’s care, follow them to the letter. He may want out of that cone immediately, but he needs to keep wearing it! Vet recommendations are for the health and well-being of your dog and failure to adhere to them could result in serious problems.

Pet

It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. Each dog needs quality food, medical care and general supplies. It can cost you around $1000 each year. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.

Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.

Your dog has teeth just like you, so it makes sense that he needs proper dental care. Invest in a dog toothbrush and brush his teeth often. Simply allowing the vet to do it at his regular checkups is not enough. You can also purchase treats that are specifically meant to help with your pet’s teeth.

Have a rotating schedule for dog-related responsibilities in your home. It’s not fair for one person to always be taking care of him, and he’ll feel more like a family pet if everyone pitches in. Kids often lose interest in a pet and leave the work to parents, but it’s important that you teach them to keep up the commitment!

Dogs make great pets. The more you know, the better the experience of having a dog will be. The above article has given you great information you can use to enjoy your life with your pooch. The term “man’s best friend” will soon apply to your dog!