Are you displeased with the dog food options tat your local grocer? Many people think that mass manufactured dog food doesn’t contain enough nutrients. It is important that you understand how to properly care for your dog. Follow the tips presented here to learn how to provide your dog with the kind of responsible care needed for a long and happy canine life.

Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. This statement is most definitely not true.

Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Ask your vet for recommendations. Be sure to keep children away while you’re applying any flea treatment.

Table Scraps

Avoid giving your pup table scraps. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. Feeding table scraps to your dog could lead to digestive problems or obesity. To prevent temptation, have your dog separated from the area you eat in.

Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. If you much prefer to be at home, a small dog that enjoys a lot of inside time is an ideal choice. Selecting the right dog will make you both happier.

If you aren’t sure of the amount of food your dog needs on a daily basis, talk to your vet. Although some dog owners stick to the recommended guidelines on the dog food, these guidelines can often be too much for your dog, which can lead to obesity. Your vet will know how much to feed your particular dog.

If your dog must be outside, build him a house. Wet feet and cold fur can bring on health problems. A roomy shelter that protects from the windy, rainy, and snowy weather is the best option.

If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Shelter dogs could be sick or exposed to different viruses. Make sure the new puppy gets their required shots before going home.

If your dog seems sad and lonely, consider investing in a friend for him. Dogs are known to be pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.

As you can see, caring for a dog is a big responsibility. There are a lot more dog foods than what you see in the grocery store. Keep the information you’ve read here in mind as you work towards providing the right care for your dog.