Dog ownership is a special thing, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. To enjoy time with a dog, you must know some things. If you want to be the best master you can be for your dog, take a look at the handy canine care suggestions presented below.

Make sure that your home is safe for your dog. Create a safe area to bring a new puppy into the home. Place any meds or household cleaning supplies out of reach, and place any trash cans in a cabinet. Many common household plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog or get rid of them.

Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. He probably doesn’t mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. This is not true, at all!

Dogs don’t talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. You should never pressure your pet into interacting with strangers, be they human or canine. One of the animals could become aggressive. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.

If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Your dog could be seriously injured or killed by ingesting a couple of small pills. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.

When it comes to dog flea treatments, you should proceed with caution. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Talk to the vet about different forms of treatment that are safer for use around small kids.

Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. If your puppy is very young, it might not be ready to consume specific brands, and feeding them to your pup can result in sickness. Always exercise caution when it comes to your animal’s food.

When choosing a dog, make sure you consider your lifestyle. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.

If your dog displays a good behavior, praise it or reward it with a treat. It’s important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. Your dog is looking for ways to please you, and giving him your praise lets him know he has done just that.

If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. Therefore, ask your vet the acceptable amount of dog food your dog needs to ensure its health and well-being.

Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. A dog can get ill if he is left out in rough weather, so make sure you have a warm, dry dog house where he can rest. Build a shelter yourself or purchase a kit from the nearest pet store.

A trip to the vet should be at the top of your schedule if your new dog’s last home was the animal shelter. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.

Always buy high quality food for your best friend. Your dog will be healthier and happier if you feed it the highest quality food. While this could mean that you’re going to have to pay more money, you can know that you’re doing the best for your dog to keep it healthy.

Always follow any instructions from the vet carefully, especially if your dog requires medication or other special attention. Your dog may hate wearing a cone, however it is prescribed for good reason. It is always best to follow the recommendations shared by your veterinarian.

Be cautious with your female dog if she’s in heat. If you don’t, she may become pregnant. A female’s scent can travel a very long distance. This may cause a fight or impregnation if a male dog spots her.

Keep a dog tag on your dog at all times. A breakaway collar that includes an ID tag will ensure the return of your dog if they should wander. Include all personal information necessary on this tag. Micro-chipping is another great option to help in the event that your dog gets lost.

Be very careful when choosing your dog’s food. There are many to choose from, so focus on those that are for your dog’s age and size. Ask your vet for advice.

Vitamins can be harmful to dogs. Don’t give a dog extra vitamins. You can cause damage to your dog’s joints, bones and circulatory system with excessive vitamins. Speak to your vet about your dog’s requirements.

If you want to a great dog owner, you have to know certain things. It’s not a simple task choosing a puppy and it magically becomes that great loving companion. You need to be responsible in your care. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your pet will enjoy each other.