Would you like to save a dog from the pound? Or are you interested in buying from a breeder? Getting a dog will give you endless amounts of love, whether it be mutt or show dog. You must care for them properly, so read on to find out how to get it done.

Look into subsidized health care for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, in cooperation with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated for a fraction of veterinary costs at a sponsored event probably close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your town.

Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Many medicines that benefit you can be harmful or fatal to your dog. Make sure you have your veterinarian’s number handy in case your dog does accidentally swallow your medicine.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is important, but it is not easy. If your dog is resisting, once a day simply lift their lips and use your finger to rub their teeth lightly. Do it quickly at first, and then begin to draw out the time you spend performing this action. This will help them get use to the process. After that, you can begin using an actual brush and toothpaste.

Pet

Be sure to have your pet spayed or neutered. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.

Your pet needs vaccinations, much in the same way that your baby does. Some common vaccinations that dogs require include rabies, hepatitis and distemper. Each pet is different, and each will have a different immunization schedule. Your veterinarian is a great resource when it comes to which vaccinations are right for the age and breed of your pet.

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.

Do not make training your dog seem like a chore. Dogs pick up on this negative energy and will have a difficult time learning if you are not in the right mind frame. Make it fun and try to look at it as a bonding experience with your pet. When your dog is having fun, they will learn their training quicker.

You should now be aware of what needs to be done to give your dog the best care, so you can bring your new pooch home now. Keep learning more about owning dogs if you have any further questions on the subject. Think about signing up for forums if you want to discuss your furry friend with other owners. Educating yourself is something you continue to do for life, so now is not the time to stop!