Do you want to know more about dogs? There is so much to know for most owners and some may find it overwhelming. The thought of a dog that will always misbehave crosses some people’s minds. The information that follows can help you be a responsible pet owner.

Make sure your house is free of doggy danger. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.

Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. Dog kisses are cute, in theory, but understand a dog’s mouth is typically very dirty. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! There is an old wives’ tale that says that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is not true, at all!

Neuter or spay your dog. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.

If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. By doing this, in case your dog gets lost, you can provide others with a picture and easily put up flyers, which will assist in finding your dog.

Keep your medications out of paw’s reach. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.

Watch out for dog flea treatments. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.

Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Your dog may develop digestive problems and become fat if you feed it table scraps. Train your dog to remain in another room while the family eats so no one is tempted to slip something to him under the table.

It’s a good idea to have your regular dog training sessions in your own yard or at home. You should avoid training in heavily populated areas. People will only distract your dog, making it more difficult to train him.

Trim all hair surrounding the dog’s paws so that it does not become matted. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.

If you are seeking a dog of a particular breed, be sure to check with your local animal shelter first. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can’t look after their dog anymore. Call the pound to find ask what dog breeds are in house at the time. You can save the life of a dog this way.

Pet Owner

Being a pet owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. Being a pet owner can take quite a bit of time out of your day. You should now have the information you need to help you be the best pet owner possible. Before you know it, taking care of a dog will seem like a breeze!