Dogs are great pets to have and affection to humans when cared for them. Learning about his needs is the key to its health and happy. Read on for information that will help you have a great relationship with your dog.

Owning a dog takes a large financial commitment. Emergency care for animals can cost thousands of collars, so think about purchasing health insurance for your dog.

Hugs are good, but avoid kisses. Dogs will eat their own waste, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner months than a human’s is folklore. This statement is most definitely not in the least bit true.

You need to take your dog to the vet at lease once a year. Since your dog can’t speak, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain. A checkup once a year will help you find any problems before they become huge issues.

Your dog cannot speak, you must learn its non-verbal language. If you notice the dog being hesitant in a new situation, don’t force them to meet. This could cause the other dog to bite. Look out for your dog’s non verbal cues and react accordingly.

If you’re on any kind of medication, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Call your vet immediately if your dog has swallowed the medication.

Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in colder temperatures. If his feet get wet, it can cause health complications. Keep your dog safe by giving him the dry shelter he needs.

Take your time and correct bad behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. Your dog might hurt someone else, or you, so keep him under control.

You need to trim your nails.If they start to curl, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. You can trim them yourself with clippers from the store. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, a pet groomer will usually do it at a low cost.

Do not buy the cheapest dog food. It will benefit your dog the best quality food.Although the food may cost more, at least you know that your pet is getting the required amount of nutrients in their diet.

Trim the hair that’s around your pup’s paws to prevent it from getting matted up. A comb should be used first to straighten the dog’s fur before trimming. If you’re too scared, you could have a groomer do this for you.

Make sure you show your dog affection at all times. As is often the case, owners often pay more attention to the bad behavior than the good. That could be real trouble later with the dog. Try to give your dog praise five times more than when you scold them. Your dog is going to behave much more if you do so.

Make sure you are providing your dog with the opportunity for plenty of exercise- both physical exercise as well as staying mentally active. Teach your dog to get your newspaper as well as other helpful things that are useful in your home. Your dog is always going to feel useful and also stay quite sharp.

Be certain a lost dog has some kind of identification in case it were to escape from your home. A popular way to ensure your dog is to use a breakaway collar that has an identification tag. This tag should include your relevant contact information and your dog. You can also opt to have a micro-chip into your dog.

Dogs often get cuts by stepping on glass and other debris. If your dog suffers from a little cut, use an antiseptic and a bandage to clean and protect it. If the cut is relatively deep, have a vet check it out.

There’s nothing like the happiness a dog is able to bring to a person’s home. However, you need the right information that tells you what keeps a dog energetic and happy. With some luck, this article will give you some great information on how to care for your dog.