Content create by-Dean Odonnell

There is a reason why dogs are often called man's best friend--they are loyal, loving, and affectionate. But, do you feel like you know everything there is to know about these cuddly creatures? If not, it would be in your best interest to do your research. This article is a great resource.

Groom your dog regularly. A dog requires constant grooming to keep his coat in tip top condition. Make sure that your dog is completely relaxed before you start the grooming session; this is especially important if he is excitable. Keep the session quite short (5 to 10 minutes at most) until he is comfortable with the idea of being groomed. Most importantly - be sure to praise him and offer a treat after a successful grooming session!

If you are thinking of getting a new dog for your family, be sure you are prepared for this commitment. Smaller dogs will require at least a 14-16 year commitment, and larger dogs will require at least 10 years. If you are not prepared to own the dog for its entire life, then do not choose a dog as a pet.

It is important for you to take your dog in to see the vet on a fairly regular basis. Just like humans, dogs can develop health problems like toothaches, arthritis and weight gain. Do not wait until you think your dog is sick before taking him in to be seen.

When the dog does something right, be sure to lavish praise on him or her. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. Your dog will soon understand that good behavior is rewarded with praise.

Keep your dog�s nails trimmed. Long nails cause huge amounts of pain. Try trimming them with scissors you buy at the store. If you are worried about doing this, simply take him to a groomer - it doesn't cost very much to get his nails trimmed.

Respect your pet. When out on a walk, do not force your dog to interact with other people or animals if he does not want to. There is a reason why your dog may not want to get too close, and it is important that you listen to him. If you try and make him interact, your dog may begin to act out over time.

If your vet gives you medication to take home and administer to your dog, be sure and ask for ideas on getting him to swallow it. Dogs differ in their tolerance of pills and badly-flavored liquids, so have a few tricks up your sleeve in case he resists. Getting a dog to take medicine is important, but often challenging.

Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little Pedialyte to rehydrate him.

It is important to train your dog as soon as you get him or her. visit link that might seem cute as a puppy, can develop into bad habits as your dog matures. It is essential that your dog understands and obeys simple commands. Not only for your safety, but the safety of your dog as well.

When training your dog, consistency is everything. You must be consistent at all times. If your dog is not allowed to jump on people as they walk in, don't allow your dog to do it even if a person says they don't mind being jumped on. best dog food for urinary crystals should also make sure that everyone that's around your dog understands your rules and are consistent with them.





Designate a family member or close friend to be responsible for your dog, should something happen to you. If you are in an accident and unable to get home, your dog will need someone to feed him and address other needs. Perhaps best dog food for ibs trust a neighbor with your house keys and they could act for you in a time of need.

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A great way to have some company on your car rides is to take your dog with you. Most dogs enjoy riding in the car. Riding in the car is also a good place to practice some training exercises with your pet as well. You can practice "stay"� when the dog enters and exits the vehicle. Always remember to leave windows down because heat from a closed car can kill the dog.

Even if your dog spends most of its time outdoors, it still needs lots of attention. If the dog is left alone too long, it can begin some really bad habits like digging. chewing, and barking. The result might even be an aggressive pet. Your dog needs lots of play and love to ensure his happiness.

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Know that an animal doesn't need too many people telling it what to do when it's being trained. Different people do things different ways, and you can confuse your pup. Be sure that one individual is in control of the training and keeps others working with the dog on the same page.

Take special care during the summer. It is easy for a dog to become overheated, and this can cause health problems. Find a shaded and cool area for them to hang out in during the summer. Make sure the dog has ready access to cool, clean water. Dogs can be affected by the sun just like people can, so talk to a veterinarian about canine sunscreens.

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Be thoughtful about breeding your dog. Repeated breeding of a female can evetually lead to severe health problems for both the dog and the puppies that is born from her. If you plan to breed be sure to do your research first so that you can be sure that you are doing the right thing for your animals.

If you bathe your dog often, watch out for signs of painful earaches that can be problematic for canines. They can happen when too much water gets into the ears. Use cotton balls dabbed in baby oil while giving him a bath, and that should keep water from getting in, even if he splashes around.

You should have your dogs spayed or neutered before they reach the age of six months. Spaying before your dog is mature can cut their risk of developing breast cancer. Neutering prevents males dogs from developing issues that may affect the testes and prostate. The neutering process also stops several breeds of dogs from being aggressive.

There are few relationships as rewarding as the one between man and his dog. However, to ensure you enjoy the best possible relationship with your dog, it's crucial that you learn all you can about it. With the tips you've just read through, you can improve your canine care skills. Use these tips and any others you find to become a great dog owner.