Dogs are terrific, as they are loyal companions until the end. But, it may take some work to get them to that point. You must teach them to behave correctly and you must learn how to care for them. This guide will teach you a few things about dogs, so keep reading.

Get your dog neutered. Research shows that doing this can make your animal live longer and reduce their cancer risks. Also, dogs that get fixed won’t feel the need to wander away so that may mean that they won’t get into accidents like getting hit by a vehicle.

If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. If your dog gets to your medication, you should call your veterinarian right away.

Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. Keep in mind that a young puppy’s stomach is not ready for certain foods. Choose dog food adapted to the age of your puppy and use common sense when determining which foods are healthy for your dog.

Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.

Be sure to praise your dog freely and consistently whenever he exhibits a desired behavior. You need to reward good behavior. This also shows the dog that good behavior will earn praise.

If you have an outdoor pet, build a shelter for him or buy one that is ready to use. If his feet get wet, being exposed to extreme weather can cause health issues and stress. Keep your dog out of the wet weather and the wind by building a shelter that keeps them dry and gives them room.

Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. Once the nails start to curl under, they can cause your dog a great deal of pain. You can purchase clippers and do this at home. If you lack the confidence to do this job on your own, a pet groomer will usually do it at a low cost.

Do not leave your dog outdoors for extended periods of time. It is important that your dog has interaction. When your dog is the only one you have, leaving him alone will make him sad. Plus, bad weather can be health and even life threatening to your pet.

Follow your vet’s advice when it comes to medications and special care requirements. They may not like their cone, but they need it for a purpose. Your vet will recommend things that are good for the health of your dog, so make sure that you follow his advice.

Pure Bred

For pure bred dogs, don’t discount local pounds to find one. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it. Speak to the nearest pound to see if an option suits you. This can help save the life of a beautiful dog.

Leaving a radio playing while you are gone will help your dog stay calm and may alleviate separation anxiety. The noise will keep him company and make him feel a little more secure. It might help with any anxiety issues.

Show your dog that you love him. Most of the time you are paying attention to the very bad things they do and overlooking the good. This can cause issues later. Try to ensure that you praise or give affection to your pet at least five times for every instance of reprimand or scolding. Your dog will be far more likely to try to behave properly.

Make sure you exercise both your dog’s mind and its body. 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 gives him a job to do and he’ll feel fulfilled as a result.

Always take your dog for his yearly check-up. The vet will be able to spot signs of diabetes, thyroid issues and kidney trouble a while before your dog shows any signs. Annual physicals can save a lot of problems in the future.

Choose the food your dog eats very carefully. There are plenty of options, and you should find what best matches your dog’s age, weight and other characteristics. You may be tempted to give your pet leftovers, but this is not healthy.

If you are shopping for a new dog and already own another dog, it is a good idea to take your old dog along. Dogs are social animals and may or may not get along. Compatible dogs are always your best bet.

It is essential that you think long and hard before you decide to make a dog a part of your life. It’s one thing to fall head over heels in love with a puppy. It’s another to provide a forever home for a dog. Use that time to consider this so you make sure you are making the right choice. q

Taking care of a dog takes work but is not impossible. Although in the beginning it might make you frustrated, stick to the proven tips that will have you headed down the correct path. Use the tips above, and you will see caring for your canine is a piece of cake.