Having a dog for a pet is a joyful experience, but sometimes, it can be hard. There are things you need to know about taking care of your pet. This article will provide you with great tips to help you be a great pet owner.

Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. It is unsanitary to be licked by a dog. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. This is not true, at all!

Get your dog neutered. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.

Since you’re not able to speak with your dog like a person, you should pay close attention to the dog’s non-verbal speech. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. This may lead to someone getting bitten. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.

When you take your dog on vacation with you, get a snapshot of them for your phone. This will help in the rare situation that you get separated from your dog. You will have a current picture of your dog to show to people.

When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal. If you notice that your dog has consumed any of your medication, you need to immediately contact your vet.

Avoid the bargain brands of pet food. The brands that are cheaper have preservatives, additives, as well as other things that aren’t good for your dog. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.

Don’t try forcing anything into your dog. If your dog doesn’t like the treat you’ve bought, don’t make him eat it. You need to find out what your dog does and does not like.

Keep trimming the soft hair near the paws of your dog to keep it from matting. You should use a comb to straighten out the hair a bit before trying to trim it. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.

If your dog seems unhappy and is alone a lot, consider getting a second dog. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and they like to be around other dogs. Match them carefully by energy levels and temperament so that they can enjoy themselves.

Watch if your female dog is in heat if you do not want her pregnant. A male is able to smell her from as much as five miles in the distance! This causes fights as well as sexual behavior.

Stepping on sharp objects or glass is a common hazard for dogs waling outside. If your dog experiences a cut, wash the area with antiseptic and put a bandage on it. If you think the cut is fairly deep you should see a vet.

If you have a dog that has an accident in your home, be sure that you get rid of it completely. Utilize professional grade cleaners and odor removers as well. If the scent from his excrement remains behind, your dog may be inclined to soil in the same area again and again.

You may think it’s okay to share your own snacks with your dog. This is fine with some foods, but other foods aren’t healthy for dogs. Your should not give your dog grapes, caffeine, or chocolate, for instance. They can cause illnesses and, in some cases, even death, and your dog will not benefit by receiving them.

Don’t be hasty when deciding if you will get a dog or not. Sometimes, it is hard to resist the adorable face of a puppy or dog, but remember how much is involved in the proper care of a pet. Always consider everything involved with becoming responsible for another life, and be sure you are able to handle it all.

Rely on positive reinforcement when you train your dog. Rewards and praise will help speed things along, and they work better than being violent. Treating your dog humanely provides better results and is better for your dog long term. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.

Take special care during the summer. It is easy for a dog to become overheated, and this can cause health problems. Offer an area that has lots of shade during the summer. Be sure your dog can get to clean, cool water at all times. Dogs can be affected by the sun just like people can, so talk to a veterinarian about canine sunscreens.

Your dog should be walked on a daily basis no matter what you do or how busy you are. You need the exercise, so does he, and he will be having a good time while out. If you want your dog to grow up to be friendly and happy, you should ensure you walk it regularly.

If you want to a great dog owner, you have to know certain things. You can’t just pick the cutest puppy at the store and live happily ever after. You have to do your part, too. Use the excellent tips provided here to improve your life with your dog.