Are you thinking of becoming a dog owner? Or perhaps there’s already a dog at your home? If yes on either question, then these tips are must reads for you. Continue ahead to the following article and learn about different ways to enhance the experience of being a dog owner.

Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. Definitely do not believe that!

TIP! It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses.

If you take your dog with you on vacation, keep a photo of him on your phone. If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you have a current picture that you can show others or use to make “lost” posters.

Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. Not only will table scraps turn your dog off on their regular food, but it will also teach them to constantly beg. Scraps from the table obesity, digestive problems, or other health issues in dogs. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.

Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.

TIP! Make your home safe for your dog. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe.

Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. Particularly if his feet get wet, extended exposure to extreme temperatures causes stress and can lead to health complications. Make certain your dog house has a good floor that keeps your dog up off the ground and dry.

Make sure your dog engages in sufficient amounts of exercise. Regular exercise is a necessity, as is playtime in order to keep him physically and mentally happy. No matter what, whether throwing their ball or taking a long walk, you’ll both benefit from it. This doesn’t just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.

A foster home is something you can provide for a dog that needs it. There are many animals who need a temporary home until they are adopted. Foster one of these dogs to help and see if you wish to care for one.

TIP! When bringing dogs on vacation, it pays to take a photo of them to keep on your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.

Never leave any dog outside for long durations. Yes, people do this too often, but dogs require interactions with people and other dogs for their well-being. A dog left alone outside will get very lonely. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.

If you do not want your female dog to become pregnant, be careful with her when she goes into heat. A male will be able to smell her from a far distance. This could also lead to unplanned pregnancy, or cause other dogs in the area to fight.

Vitamins can be harmful to dogs. If you feed your dog a balanced diet, there is no need to give him extra vitamins. Having excess vitamins can damage bones, blood vessels and joints. Before you begin giving your dog any vitamins or supplements, make sure that you check with your vet first.

TIP! Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds.

Do not rely on a cold, wet nose to judge your dog’s health. Sick dogs often have cold, wet noses. Assess the health of your dog by observing its mood, energy level and appetite. You will be able to learn a lot about how your dog might be feeling. A rectal thermometer can be used on the dog to do a temperature check.

Don’t go overboard with what you allow your dog to do. Sometimes people think it’s alright to give a dog table scraps or allow destruction of an item. Cute dogs get away with even more. But, by staying firm on the rules, you can avoid issues. For instance, giving scraps to a dog may seem harmless, but if you keep doing it, the dog may think it is fine to jump on a table and take a whole course.

Ensure you walk your dog each day, regardless of your schedule. Your dog will benefit not just from the exercise, but also from the opportunities to see different things and encounter other humans and pets. That is essential to development and growth, so prioritize walks.

TIP! Keep your dog on leash any time he leaves your fenced yard, regardless of his gentle nature and good behavior. A wild animal may set your dog off and send it running into traffic, or someone could provoke your dog and get injured by accident.

Make sure your dog eats healthy foods. Some dog food brands are superior to others, and it’s not always the food that costs the most. Talk to your vet to learn which types of food are best for the breed of dog you have, as well as their age and health. Paying attention to your pet’s diet can lead to a longer, happier life together.

Your puppy looks cute nibbling your slippers, but when he’s full grown, it will not be cute to have him shred them into millions of pieces. Teach your dog while he is young what kind of behavior is acceptable. If your pup is doing something bad, make him stop immediately. You will be saved much trouble down the line.

If you have kids, you understand the essential nature of routines and schedules. Dogs are similar to kids in this way. If your dog doesn’t know what the day will entail, it might get upset or cranky. Their actions will mirror their true mood. So have a scheduled time for training, meals, sleep and play.

TIP! If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. Sometimes the guidelines on pet food labels aren’t correct, and following them could lead to obesity.

Did you understand the above tips? If you haven’t, take a moment and read them again. It will be a relief to know what to do if a problem arises. Use the techniques every day to have the best relationship possible with your dog.

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