Do you love your dog? For a great reason, dogs seem to be the preferred pets of most people in the country. Dogs are fun, loving, loyal and great with children. Really they are amazing companions. But it works both ways – you also need to be a great companion to your dog, ensuring that he is well cared for. Follow the advice presented here to be a good friend to your dog.

Owning a dog takes a bit of money. Food, vet care and supplies can add up quickly. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.

Consider the situation before allowing a dog to kiss your face. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. It’s an old wives’ tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. It’s not true.

It is a great idea to put hand signals in use when you are training your pet; use them in conjunction with words. Using hand gestures can help your dog to recognize commands quicker. Give both methods a shot, and see what your pet prefers.

Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.

Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn’t need much outdoor time. When you find the perfect match, you’ll both be happier!

Take the time to correct bad behavior in your dog at the first sign of it. You should never ignore bad behaviors when they are puppies because this will make it a lot harder to correct down the road. If you don’t get his behavior under control, your dog could end up biting someone.

Giving your dog a good brush every day will definitely do more than lower their amount of shedding. It’ll also give them a very beautiful and shiny coat. When you brush fur, you’re also spreading around the oils that help keep your pet’s coat looking shiny and healthy.

It is important that your dog’s nails are not allowed to get too long. If they get so long that they start curling under, your dog will probably hurt a lot. You can buy clippers in a pet store and do them yourself. Can’t hack it? Take them to the groomer instead.

Do not keep your dog outdoors all day. This is common for people to do, but dogs should interact with others. Especially if it’s only one dog, it can get very lonely. Plus, bad weather can be health and even life threatening to your pet.

If separation anxiety plagues your dog, or you want your dog to feel less lonely, play some music while you are at work. The sounds of the music will provide a sense of security and company for your dog. It may just be the fix needed for the dog’s anxiety problems until you get back to the house.

Be politically active when it comes to your dog. Be on the lookout for any new laws that may be passed which could restrict your rights as a dog owner. It often results from one bad breed or bad dog. Speak up for the rights of responsible dog owners everywhere by contacting local officials.

Never miss one of your pet’s annual check-ups. A good vet will be able to easily spot problems with your dog way before you actually see something. Annual exams can prevent lots of unneeded expenses later on.

If you have a dog that has an accident in your home, be sure that you get rid of it completely. Use a cleaner that gets rid of smells. If the smell from your pet’s mess stays there, it might motivate your dog to continue defecating there.

Were you aware that vitamins can be harmful to dogs. Your dog doesn’t need a vitamin supplement if he is eating a well-balanced diet. Excessive amounts of some vitamins can harm the bones, joints and blood vessels. Talk with your veterinarian prior to starting a vitamin regimen with your dog.

You need to establish a healthy diet for your dog. When they’re a puppy, you can give them calorie-dense foods since they need them for growth. However, if they eat the same kinds of foods when they get older they may gain a lot of weight and that isn’t healthy.

Take steps to keep your dog cool in the summer. Your dog might overheat much faster then you think. Make sure that your dog has a shaded, cool spot for hot weather. Be sure there is always cool and clean water within the dog’s reach. You don’t want your dog to develop skin cancer, either, so pick up some sunscreen for dogs!

You have to treat your dog like it’s a great friend and it will treat you the same. You should apply these tips to take good care of your pet. A great life is possible for him when you use these tips.