Groom your dog frequently. Keep them clean and reduce the amount of hair they shed by brushing them frequently. When the weather warms up, start checking them for ticks and fleas daily. Dogs generally require a few baths a year. Before you give your dog a bath, make sure to cut or comb out mats and tangles. Rinse their coat thoroughly to avoid dirt sticking to any soap residue.

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he or she may eventually come in contact with a skunk. If he gets sprayed, mix together one teaspoon of dish-washing detergent, a fourth a cup of baking soda and a quart of hydrogen peroxide solution (but make sure it is no more than three percent). Apply the mixture to your dog's coat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wash your dog off well afterward.

Were you aware of how harmful vitamins can be to your pet? Don't give your dog extra vitamins if he's eating a well-balanced diet. Too much of certain vitamins could cause damage to the blood vessels, bones and joints. Before giving your dog vitamins, get your vet's OK.

When you own a dog, you typically understand the general costs of ownership, such as food, vet visits, and grooming. A generally overlooked cost is emergency situations. Although it may not happen frequently, you should have a bit of money set aside for any emergency that may arise. It's better to be prepared for an emergency vet visit than to wonder how you are going to pay for it.

While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. While getting kisses from your dog may seem Cute Puppies, your dog's mouth is extremely dirty. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog's butts. It is an old wives' tale that dogs have cleaner months than humans. This is completely wrong!

Don't make you dog eat something they don't want to eat. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. Learn about your dog's various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.

When you own a dog, you typically understand the general costs of ownership, such as food, vet visits, and grooming. A generally overlooked cost is emergency situations. Although it may not happen frequently, you should have a bit of money set aside for any emergency that may arise. It's better to be prepared for an emergency vet visit than to wonder how you are going to pay for it.

If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. Giving your dog shots before taking it home will keep everyone healthy.

Try to provide your dog with plenty of opportunities to socialize. Take him on walks to the park or beach where he will be around people and other dogs. Encourage his interactions with others and praise him for good manners. He'll be much more comfortable in any setting and generally happier too.

Just like people, dogs need plenty of exercise for optimum health. Dogs are naturally hunters and love to run by instinct. Take your dog to the park, play Frisbee with him and give him a daily walk. This will help keep him physically healthy but will also make him mentally healthier.

If your puppy or dog is constantly chewing up your furniture, invest in some chew-toys. Scatter them around the floor, especially around the legs of the sofa and end-tables. Be enthusiastic about your offers to play with the chewies with your dog to encourage frequent use. This should eventually deter him from chomping your furniture.

As was mentioned in the opening paragraph of this article, dogs make ideal pets. They are incredibly loving and Puppies Topic loyal. To keep your doggy healthy, it is important for you to take the time to educate yourself on the best dog care advice. Use the proven dog-care tips from this article to ensure that your beloved dog lives a healthy life.

It should be easy to care for your dog with the advice found above. Remember to love your pet and act calmly and patiently for a happy existence. Continue learning all that you can to ensure a great relationship with your pup.

Owning a dog is not easy, and it should not be taken lightly. It is even somewhat akin to raising a child. Even though dog care is challenging, you can handle it if you know what you're doing. Want some advice? Read on.

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 Puppies Topic #2 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.

Have your pet checked out by your vet on a regular basis. Your pet will need to go to the vet so it can get tested for heart worms, get a general check up, and to see if the shots are still up to date. With a puppy, you will need to visit your vet a little more often. This will help your vet diagnose any physical issues with your dog.

To protect your dog in the event he is lost or stolen, have a microchip surgically implanted by your vet. These handy chips store data that can be retrieved by a shelter or animal officer and used to contact you. They are painless to put in and offer peace of mind for the pet lover!