Some Advice For Dog Owners And Buyers.

When you're at a pet store or at the pound you are probably thinking of how great the experience is going to be as soon as you get your dog. This may not be what you get in the end. No matter what the situation, you need to be a good pet owner, and the following paragraphs will help you do just that.

It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. 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!

Take the time to make sure your house is dog-proofed. You need to look for hazards around your home that your dog might run into. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some plants in your house may be toxic to your dog, so they should be kept where your dog cannot reach them.

If you are on any kind of medication, you should ensure your dog never gains access to it. Swallowing a couple pills could can serious health issues, even heart attacks and seizures. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.

Try not to force your dog to do new things. Some dogs won't love all treats, and you shouldn't push your dog to like something. Learn about your dog's various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.

If you have a pure bred dog, make sure you educate yourself on what type of problems are "normal" for that breed. Do what you can to combat those issues early. You should inquire with your vet about how you can take care of your dog the right way.

When you first notice behavior problems in your dog, take proper steps to correct the behavior. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road. You could end up with a dog that hurts other people, so make sure you're in control at all times.

If you're adopting your pet from a shelter, it's important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.

If an accident occurs on your floor, take extra care that all traces are removed. Use a cleaner with professional strength, followed by any odor remover. If your dog can still smell it, he may repeatedly defecate in that area.

Take some time to trim your dog's paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog's fur before trimming. Go to a professional groomer if you have a hard time doing this yourself.

Certain dog breeds are prone to particular health issues, so find out what is typical for the type of dog you have. Research the heritage of your pup and learn how to prevent any common problems. Also, see what advice the vet has in terms of helping your dog overcome breed liabilities.

You should now have some good information about provided a dog with good care. As long as you're applying and sticking with the tips, your dog ownership should go smoothly. Take the time to absorb this information by reading it again.