Growing up with a pet is not the same thing as being the adult responsible for it. If you own a dog or are going to get one, you should spend a bit of time learning. This article provides some great information about owning a dog so you will be prepared to properly care for one.

Watch out for dog flea treatments. Many have ingredients that may put kids at risk for various cancers over 1000 times what the EPA may consider to be safe. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.

Table Scraps

Try not to give a dog table scraps. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Table scraps can be bad for his health as well, leading to obesity and digestive disorders. Make sure your dog doesn’t hover around your dinner table so it isn’t tempted to eat your food.

Don’t buy your dog cheap dog food. Many of the cheapest brands contain additives, preservatives and other things that can compromise the health of your dog. You should contact an animal advocacy group or a consumer awareness program to get some recommendations for quality dog foods. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.

It is important that your dog’s nails are not allowed to get too long. Long nails cause huge amounts of pain. Buy some clippers from a pet store and cut them yourself. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.

Train your pet on how to behave correctly when leashed. He should be on your side, not behind or ahead of you, and he should know how to respond when told to “heel.” If you walk in this way, you will be sure that your pet is safe so that your walks are more enjoyable. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.

Certain breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of what’s typical for your type of dog. Research the heritage of your pup and learn how to prevent any common problems. Also, seek advice from your vet.

Love your dog! Many owners inadvertently spend more time focusing on their pet’s negative behaviors than on all the good things they do. This can cause issues later. Try praising them at least 5 times more than when you scold them. Your dog will be far more likely to try to behave properly.

After you’ve read over the above article, all of your dog care questions should be answered. Incorporate the tips you learned here and use them when caring for your dog, and soon you’ll see a remarkable difference in the life of your dog. This article describes everything you need to know about caring for dogs.

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