Helpful Hints About Dogs - You Need

There are plenty to choose from when deciding on a dog, and the type of family situation you have should determine how you pick one. Taking care of a dog requires a big responsibility and its decision that should not be taken lightly. Continue reading if you want to be sure that you're taking care of your pet properly.

Make your home dog-proof. Prior to bringing your dog into your home, be sure that it is entirely safe. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some houseplants are toxic and need to be kept out of your dog's reach.

While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Dog kisses are adorable, but your dog's mouth is really dirty. Dogs tend to dig through garbage cans, drink out of toilets and explore the hind quarters of other animals. It's an old wives' tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. This is simply false.
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. If your pet hesitates when approaching a person or a pet, don't push them to go near them. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.

Keep table scraps to a minimum. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Table scraps can be bad for his health as well, leading to obesity and digestive disorders. Train your dog to sit far away from your dining room so that you and your family won't be tempted to feed it table scraps.

Your dog's nails need to be trimmed regularly. When they start curling under, the dog runs the risk of experiencing pain. You can use store bought clippers to trim them yourself. If you're uncomfortable clipping them on your own, go to a professional groomer. Nail clipping is very affordable.

If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.

Train your pet on how to behave correctly when leashed. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to "heel." That way, your dog is safe and the walks are better for you as well. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.

Hopefully you feel more confident in how to care for your dog. You've got the information; just make sure you're not worrying about caring for them anymore. Put what you've read here to use, and you will be sure that you have a dog that's taken care of properly.