Dog ownership is not a responsibility to take lightly. In some ways, it’s almost like taking care of a child, except this child barks instead of crying. While it is a tough job, it is possible to succeed by using smarts and patience. Want some advice? Read on.

Make your home dog-proof. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the whole area is safe. Cleaning supplies and medications should be locked away, and any indoor trash cans need to be put in a cabinet. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it’s best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.

Just like people need regular yearly physicals, dogs need the same thing. Because your dog can’t speak with you, you may have trouble knowing when your dog is feeling pain like if it has arthritis. An annual checkup can help catch such issues before they become a major problem.

Be sure to have your pet spayed or neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.

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. You should never pressure your pet into interacting with strangers, be they human or canine. This may cause another dog or person to get bit. Look for non-verbal cues and follow what the dog is telling you.

If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you have a current picture that you can show others or use to make “lost” posters.

Take some time to schedule dog training sessions in your own home and backyard. Avoid training your dog where many people are present. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.

Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren’t the best for your dog. Get a list from an animal advocacy or consumer awareness group of the highest recommended foods to give your dog. Food that is healthy will benefit your dog.

Taking care of a dog should be a serious matter. You dog’s health and happiness depend on your care in exactly the same way as the health and happiness of a child. There will be a lot of responsibility, but in the end, it is worth it. Use the tips from this article to take good care of your dog and get help from your veterinarian if you need to.

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