Is owning a dog something that you may have considered? Does a dog live with you? If so, the information in the article below is just right for you. You can find a lot of information about dog care that can make it easier for you to own a dog that gives you many wonderful years.

While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Dogs lick dirty things you don’t even want to think about. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. However, this simply is not the case.

Flea Treatments

Be wary about certain flea treatments to use for your dog. Some treatments contain dangerous ingredients that may put your kids at risk for diseases like cancer. Ask your vet for recommendations instead, and keep children away while you’re applying flea treatments.

Train your dog in your backyard or home, as these are safe, convenient areas. It’s a bad idea to train a dog in a busy place. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.

Make use of hand signals when training your dog versus relying only on verbal commands. Your dog may have a better time understanding you when you use manual signals. Look at both options and see if one particular way works best.

Avoid buying your dog bargain-based food. Less expensive dog foods include fillers and additives that are not beneficial to your dog’s health. Looking at a pet advocacy group website can give you recommendations of the best food for your dog. Your dog will be much better off.

Take your new dog to the vet. Make an appointment as early as possible. Your vet will administer the necessary shots and make sure your dog is in good health. Also talk to your vet about getting the dog spayed or neutered – there are already way too many dogs in shelters, and you really don’t want to add to this problem.

To prevent the hair around a dog’s paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.

Certain dog breeds are susceptible to some health problems, so make sure you know what is typical for the breed of dog you have. Do what you can to combat those issues early. You can also speak with the vet about steps you can take to increase their lifespan.

For pure bred dogs, don’t discount local pounds to find one. Many pet owners abandon their dogs at the pound when they no longer want to, or are able to, keep them. Simply call the area pound to determine which breeds are available. You may get to save a canine’s life if you do this!

If your dog seems lonely because you’re not home all the time, get him a little friend. Dogs prefer living in groups with other animals. Match them carefully by energy levels and temperament so that they can enjoy themselves.

Keep dogs mentally active by giving them many opportunities for physical exercise. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. This will help your dog to feel like he is helping you out.

Keep a close eye on a female dog when she’s in heat to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. A male dog is able to smell her from up to five miles away. As well as possibly causing a fight amongst male dogs in the area, she might actually get pregnant.

Make good use of the tips you just read. Reread this article if you need to. They’ll really help when you’ve got an issue and need to take quick action. Use what you learned and have a great relationship with your pup.