Are you interested in adopting a dog from a shelter? Or, would you prefer a pure bred dog from the breeder? Whatever kind of dog you want to get, it can really make your life brighter when that pet shows you it loves you. That said, it comes with a great deal of responsibility too, so read this article in full to learn what lies ahead.

It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. Dogs need good food, medical care and other supplies. This can add up to $500-$1000 a year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.

Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. He probably doesn’t mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. It’s just a myth that your dog’s mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. This is not true, at all!

Yearly physicals help you and yearly vet checks help your dog. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.

If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.

Keep a leash on your dog at all times. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. You are the only one responsible for your dog’s safety and his actions.

Speak to your vet about your dog’s eating habits. Some people feed the dog based on their food package recommendations, but these can be wrong and cause them to be overweight. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.

Take the time to train your dog on a leash. Your dog should remain at your side and know the command “heel.” This will keep him safe, and it’ll make walks more enjoyable. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.

You can always choose to foster a dog for a few weeks if you’re not sure about making the full commitment of dog ownership. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. Foster one of these dogs to help and see if you wish to care for one.

What types of health problems are typical for your dog? You should do some research on the dog breeds you are interested in to learn more about the health issues they are likely to develop. Your vet can also tell you how to give your dog the best odds for overcoming any conditions that are typical for his breed.

You should now be aware of what needs to be done to give your dog the best care, so you can bring your new pooch home now. Keep learning as much as possible, and find answers online when you come up with questions about your new dog. There are many forums that are great for dog owners. Educating yourself is something you continue to do for life, so now is not the time to stop!