Are you a dog owner, or did you have a pet at another time in your life? If you answered yes to this question, you know the benefits of having an animal in your house. However, like everything else in life, owning a dog is great only if you truly understand them. This article is going to go over some things that will help you become better with dogs.

Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog’s mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. It certainly isn’t the truth.

Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. It could end up with someone getting bit. You need to keep your eyes open for these signs.

If you’re taking your pup on a vacation, make sure that you take a picture of him for on your phone. If he is separated from you, it will be easy to show people what he looks like or print out flyers with a recent picture showing that you are looking for him.

Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. The amounts on the label might not apply in your dog’s situation. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.

If your dog will be outside, he will need a dog house. If the dog gets wet feet that could make him stressed out and cause other health problems as well. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing shelter.

Do not force your dog to do anything. Some dogs won’t love all treats, and you shouldn’t push your dog to like something. It will take you a little while to find out what your dog likes and what he doesn’t, but you’ll get the hang of it.

Always buy high quality food for your best friend. High quality foods are always your best bet. It costs more, but you’ll save money on vet bills for health issues down the road.

Your dog has to be leash trained. He should know the "heel” command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. Following this tip can make walking safer for your dog, and it can also make walks more enjoyable for both of you. Even if you’re using a loose chain from time to time, you should still train your dog so that it understands when you are problem on that command.

Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Shelters are full of abused and homeless dogs and they are hard pressured to give them all proper care. Fostering a dog could help the cause as well as find you a new companion you cannot bring yourself to return.

If you have a dog that seems unhappy or lonely, think about getting another dog. Dogs like to be around their own kind. Get dogs of similar energy levels and temperaments for the best results.

Bring your dogs to their scheduled appointments. This allows the vet to catch any diseases in the early stages before they can cause enough damage for you to even notice. Annual exams can prevent lots of unneeded expenses later on.

If you are bringing a new dog into your home, arrange a meeting between your current dog and the newcomer. Dogs are social creatures, but it’s true that some dogs are more  friendlier than others. You can prevent future problems if you are able to get a dog that is compatible with the dog you already have.

You are probably tempted to give Fido a bite of whatever you’re having. This is true of some snacks, but not of others. Onions, garlic and chocolate are just a few foods which are intolerable to dogs. Such foods tend to harm the health of dogs.

Were you aware that some vitamins could hurt your dog? If your dog is eating a balanced diet, do not give him additional vitamins. An overplus of vitamins may harm their joints, bones, and blood vessels. Before you begin giving your dog any vitamins or supplements, make sure that you check with your vet first.

As stated at the start of this article, it is extremely rewarding to own a dog. The experience is greater the more you learn about dogs. You will now know all about dogs after you have read this article. Take benefit of what you have learned and enjoy a healthy, happy relationship with your dog!

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