Dogs can give you a great, loyal companionship that is similar to ones found in human friendships. This is why a dog owner needs to learn whatever they can about how to care for their pet so that it lives a long and healthy life. The tips included below will help with the discovery process.

Avoid kisses and stick with hugs. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. You don’t know where your dog’s tongue has been, and you’re better off not knowing. It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. It simply is not the case.

Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.

Table Scraps

Avoid giving your pup table scraps. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. Giving your dog table scraps isn’t good for his health as it could result in weight gain and digestive problems. Put your dog in another room while the family eats, and do not allow him to reenter the dining space until dinner is done.

No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. Your dog is your responsibility.

Talk with your vet about the foods you should feed your dog. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Use your vets advice and common sense to feed your dog properly.

Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. Steer clear of a breed mismatch if you want to be a happy dog owner.

Grooming your dog every day will ensure it doesn’t shed all over the place. It leaves them looking gorgeous, for one thing. Oil is distributed as you brush their hair, which keeps both fur and skin healthy.

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, or you simply want to be extra nice to him, leave some music on when you go to work. That noise will help your dog feel more secure, and it will help him feel he’s not alone. This can significantly help reduce its anxiety.

Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. The vet can detect things like diabetes, thyroid problems and kidney issues long before you see the signs of them. This can save you money if you catch a serious illness before it becomes worse. It may also save the life of your dog.

Dogs often get cuts from stepping on glass and other debris. If you find a small cut on your dog, wash it with antiseptic fluid and bandage that area. If the cut is deep, check with your vet.

A dog should always be brought to the vet for regular checkups. Dogs need to be checked for heartworm and other health issues, and need to have any and all necessary vaccinations. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. At the first sign of illness or if your dog is injured, don’t hesitate to take him to the vet.

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 any scent remains from this accident, you may find that your dog relieves itself in the same place numerous times.

You may think it’s okay to share your own snacks with your dog. Sometimes that’s okay, but certain foods are bad for dogs. Grapes, caffeine, and chocolate are just some things that dogs aren’t supposed to eat. These food can have harmful effects on your pup’s health.

Owning a dog can be a great thing. The best thing to do is to spend time learning about all of the things your dog may need. The above advice can be used for times to come.