Are you a dog owner? Was a canine friend a part of your family in the past? If you do, you understand the benefits a dog brings. A solid base of knowledge will prepare you to be an even better dog owner, just as is the case with so many other life skills. This article is going to go over some things that will help you become better with dogs.

It costs a lot to own a dog. Expect to spend from $700 to as high as $1000 in a year to pay for medical attention, food and other items needed. Health insurance for your pet can be a great idea to help you in emergency situations.

Since your dog cannot talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog’s non-verbal language. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. This may cause another dog or person to get bit. Look for non-verbal cues and follow what the dog is telling you.

If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Many medicines that benefit you can be harmful or fatal to your dog. If you find that your dog has eaten any medication, you should call a vet as soon as possible.

Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. Something could distract him, like a squirrel or a cat, causing him to leave your side. You are solely responsible for the dog’s actions and for the dog’s safety as well.

Talk with your vet about the foods you should feed your dog. If your puppy is very young, it might not be ready to consume specific brands, and feeding them to your pup can result in sickness. Always be cautious when you’re thinking of feeding your dog.

Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. Dog food packages provide guidelines, but they can be wrong for your particular pet and lead to obesity. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog’s needs.

Rather than purchasing an actual meat bone for your dog, go with rawhide instead. Bones can fall apart and become lodged between teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is great for oral health, so don’t give Rover any of your T-bone, regardless of how much you know he wants it.

There are more advantages to daily brushing of your dog than just keeping your home hair free. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin’s oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.

Do not buy cheap food items for your dog in an effort to save money. It is vital to give your dog the best quality food. Even though you are paying more, it will save on health bills down the road.

Take your new dog to the vet. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. The vet will provide a full health check and create a vaccination schedule. Speak with a vet about getting your dog neutered or spayed since there is a massive dog overpopulation problem that you don’t need to add to.

The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Clean and comb the hair before you trim it. A professional groomer may be a good solution if you are confident about trimming the hair yourself.

Make sure that you show your dog affection at all times. Similar to other areas of life, dog owners notice a dog’s bad behavior rather than the good. If that persists, your dog may begin to act inappropriately to get your attention. Try to ensure that you praise or give affection to your pet at least five times for every instance of reprimand or scolding. He’ll behave better more often this way.

Be proactive politically for your pet dog. Local legislation that could restrict or regulate the rights of dogs and their owners might be on the table. These legislatures generally arise from specific breeds or random cases of bad instances. You need to talk to your local officials and stick up for rights of dog owners.

As this article discussed earlier, dog ownership can be a rewarding endeavor. It is best, however, when you are knowledgeable about dogs before you take one in. Armed with the knowledge imparted here, you have a deeper understanding of the care of dogs. Apply the advice and have fun with your dog!