Keep Your Dog Happy And Healthy With These Tips

Every dog is unique, like a fingerprint. They even have their own likes and dislikes, aptitude for patience or impatience, and some are loving while others are distant. How you care for them depends as much on who they are as your own situation, but the advice you will find below applies in every household which has a dog in it.

It is expensive to own a dog. Each dog needs quality food, medical care, and general supplies. It can cost you around $1000 each year. Also, emergency care is a lot if your dog was to ever get sick; you may want to think about pet insurance. 

Take your dog to the vet regularly. This may seem like an added expense that you don't need, but when you take your dog to the veterinarian, he can screen your dog for diseases and make sure he is in the best of health. This, of course, prevents problems down the road. 

Try to always be aware of how your dog is feeling. If your dog seems to be nervous, fearful, or scared of certain things, you should take note of this and try to avoid putting your dog in a stressful situation. When a dog is stressed or afraid, you could traumatize your dog if you insist that it stays in a stressful situation.

If you notice your dog gets dry skin in the winter, you probably need to brush him or her more often. Doing so will get rid of old fur and help get their oil glands working properly. Try brushing once in the morning and once in the evening to see if it makes a difference for your pet. 

Be careful if you're searching for a new dog on Craigslist or other classified ads. Many people exaggerate the truth in order to unload problems or challenging training issues and you could end up with an impossible situation on your hands. Only talk to people who are verifiable through vet records and demonstrate positive handling experience.

If you aren't sure of the amount of food your dog needs on a daily basis, talk to your vet. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure which brands are best for your dog or need help with quantities.

To make your dog happy and increase the bond between you, try learning how to give him a massage! It's been shown in recent studies that structured massages are highly beneficial to a dog's health and can improve their overall well-being. This activity can also be very relaxing for you as well.

Pay attention to your dog's breath. Dogs will always have "dog breath," however, really bad breath is a sign that they need a dental check-up. Plaque buildup caused by bacteria could be the culprit and that will need to be treated by a professional. After their treatments, you will need to brush their gums and teeth and feed them food that helps maintain good dental health.

When you're snacking, your dog may look at you with big, begging eyes, asking for a treat. It might be alright to give your dog some food, but not all foods are good for dogs. Grapes, chocolate, and caffeine are all things that you should never give your pup. These foods can hurt a dog from the inside out.

Keep your dog safe from dangerous chemicals. Similar to kids, cleaning chemicals and any car maintenance substances are harmful to them. These substances are poisonous, so if a dog gets any on them or ingests any, they could get burned, become very sick, or die. Store your hazardous chemicals in a place that your dog can't get to, or keep them in a closed area using a child-proof lock. 

Keep in mind that the pads on a dog's foot are very similar to the skin at the bottom of a human foot. This means that they have a hard time withstanding extreme heat and cold. If you have to take your dog out in extreme weather, make sure that you cover their paws, or you don't have them out for very long.

Dog happiness and health largely depends on how well you treat and keep these pets. Although good food and a warm bed are basic necessities, items like best dog stroller are essential for dog care. 

Don't bathe your dog after you have applied a flea or tick medication. Some medications tout that they are waterproof, but they only mean against rain or swimming. They will largely wash away with a dog shampoo, rendering the treatment ineffective. If you must bathe the dog after a treatment, use a soap-free shampoo.

While my dog and your dog may be polar opposites, they both need the same basic care to stay healthy and happy. This article has given you the foundation of knowledge you need to be a great owner, so make use of it when you can. Here's to wishing you and your pup many happy years to come!