Content author-Hinton Vincent

Dogs are excellent pets for the whole family but they can also be a lot of work. The key to having a happy and healthy dog is taking the time to learn about their needs. Keep reading for some valuable tips on how to develop a wonderful relationship with your canine companion.

Give your dog hugs, but don't kiss him. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren't all that clean. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. It's an old wives' tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. It simply is not true.

Never allow https://pbase.com/topics/haywood9080wyatt/fun_ways_to_take_care_of_you to ride in a car unsecured. Sitting on your lap or in the front seat is dangerous both to him and your ability to drive. Always place him in an appropriately sized pet carrier or invest in a pet seat belt that will keep him snug and safe in the middle of the back seat.

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.







If your young dog is teething and gnawing at everything, buy him a fun chew toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only does this provide him with a good alternative to your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel better. Most younger dogs gnaw out of necessity, not poor manners.

If you're trying to figure out what type of dog you might want to get, take a look at your lifestyle. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. Likewise if you spend quite a lot of time at home you may want to get a dog that likes to be pampered a lot. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.

Feed your dog dry, premium-quality dog food. This kind of dog food helps to make sure your dog gets all of their vital nutrients. Making sure that they get proper nutrition helps them live a longer life and reduces their chances of obesity, malnutrition, skeletal problems, muscular problems, and many more conditions.

It is very common for objects to get lodged in the pads of your dogs paws. Check them regularly to make sure that nothing is in there. If you see something, be very careful about taking it out, or it may become lodged even deeper. It is a wise to use tweezers for this.

Before you have your dog fitted with a microchip, be sure and check the database of the company that will store his information. Not all of them are created equal and you want to know that you'll get a fast response if your dog is lost. Look for a large database that connects to shelters and vets near you.

Make sure there is big black dog breeds in your home for giving your dog table scraps. While some owners do not give their dog any table food at all, yet others wait until the family meal is done. This causes less confusion on the part of your dog, and makes meals much easier for your family.

Make sure that you can get your dog back by ensuring they carry some type of identification. A collar with identification is a great way to ensure that your dog is found and returned if it happens to get lost. This tag needs to contain all of your relevant contact details and the name of your dog. It is also possible to get your dog micro-chipped.

Instruct your dog clearly about how to walk with a leash. He should stay by your side, not in front of or behind you, and respond to the command "heel". This will keep him safe, and it'll make walks more enjoyable. If you are using a loose leash, you help your dog to realize this is the best way to go about it.

Put your dog through obedience training. A well-trained dog is a joy to live with for both you and them. Teaching them simple commands like "Come,"� "Heel,"� "Sit,"� and "Stay"� can help curb or prevent troublesome behaviors in no time. You can either teach them yourself, or you can find out about obedience courses by contacting the SPCA or the local humane society for class recommendations.

Conduct tick and flea inspection on your dog during the warm seasons of the year. Use a type of flea comb to get rid of fleas you see. There are a lot of things on the market that will help you get your dog's fleas and ticks under control. Speak with your vet before using anything and ask them what your options are.

Just like people, dogs need their exercise too. Playing a game of fetch or Frisbee is a great way to get your dog to burn some calories, while having fun at the same time. Dogs should also be walked everyday. Some dogs require more exercise than others, which is why it is so important to understand your dogs needs.

Check you dog for parasites and take preventative measure. Flea and tick collars are important. Keep in mind certain collar work better in different seasons and geographic areas. In addition, check your dog's ears. Ear mites are common. Also, check the dog's stool to ensure he hasn't picked up worms in his digestive system.

If you want your dog to learn to "sit", start by holding a cookie, or other treat, above his head. This will cause him to look up. When he looks up, gently push his hind end down, and give the command to sit. Give him the treat, and praise him. Soon, he will sit just by hearing the command and seeing your hand go up, and eventually will obey to the "sit" command alone.

When taking care of your dog's grooming needs, do not neglect their feet. Obviously, dog's do not wear shoes so their feet are exposed to the elements and could hurt their feet in debris outside. Look for any cuts or abrasions on their feet and if you find something serious, bring him or her to their vet.

Your dog loves you unconditionally, and you want to make sure you provide the most for him. Therefore, it's imperative that you utilize the information you've been given so that you can work towards taking good care of your pet. Your pet deserves proper care, and you can now provide that to him.