Owning a dog can bring a lot of happiness to your life, but that is not true of every dog. There is a lot that goes into owning a dog. This article has some great tips for taking better care of your dog.
Give your dog hugs, but don't kiss him. Dog kisses are cute, in theory, but understand a dog's mouth is typically very dirty. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. Many people believe that dogs' mouths do not have as much germs as humans' mouths. This is completely wrong!
You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. Your dog will not be able to express its concerns, so make sure that you get it a checkup periodically. A checkup every year can make sure that issues are caught before he is suffering too much.
Avoid giving your dog scraps from your table. This will only teach him to beg constantly and also inhibit his appetite toward his regular food. "People food" can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. To prevent temptation, have your dog separated from the area you eat in.
Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. If you love to run, seek out a pooch that will love to run alongside you. Similarly, if you're quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. Getting a dog that matches your lifestyle will make you both more happy.
If your dog behaves properly, be sure it is praised and given affection. You need your dog to realize that you're proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.
If you're adopting your pet from a shelter, it's important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses. You need to ensure your dog gets their shots.
Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Dogs need physical activity and play time; it's good for their physical and mental health. Get out and do something with your dog. Go for a walk or play fetch. You can get a lot of much needed exercise and build a stronger bond with your dog.
Be sure to schedule a check up for your new friend with a trusted veterinarian. Schedule a visit with the vet right away. Your vet can make health recommendations, make sure that vaccinations are up to date and help with maintenance items like flea care and proper diet. Also see about getting your dog fixed because there are tons of animals in shelters and adding to that problem isn't good.
A lot goes into taking care of dogs and being a great owner of your pet. There is much more than just selecting a dog with a cute appearance. This forces you to be mature and responsible as an owner. Use the tips you have learned in this article so you can enjoy your pet even more.
