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Dogs give humans the loyalty and company that is usually only found in other humans. This is why a dog owner needs to learn whatever they can about how to care for their pet so that it lives a long and healthy life. This article will provide you with a great start.
Dog Care Advice Straight From The Experts
It can be quite costly to own a dog. Expect to spend from $700 to as high as $1000 in a year to pay for medical attention, food and other items needed. A sick dog could cost you tens of thousands! Look into doggie health insurance!

It's good to give hugs, but avoid giving kisses. Dogs lick dirty things you don't even want to think about. Dogs tend to dig through garbage cans, drink out of toilets and explore the hind quarters of other animals. It is folk wisdom that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a humans. This is completely wrong!

You need to have a physical every year, and so does your dog. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. Annual checkups can catch these things before they become major problems.

Be sure to praise your dog thoroughly any time it behaves correctly, such as sitting when it is time to put their leash on. This is to let the dog know that you want more of that behavior. It teaches your pup that he will be rewarded for good behavior.

Always make sure your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. He should know the "heel" command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. This will keep him safe, and it'll make walks more enjoyable. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.

The daily brushing of your dog's coat is beneficial, in more ways that just stopping constant shedding. Regular brushing encourages a healthy, shining coat. The reason for this is that brushing distributes a dog's oils from its skin so it looks soft and shiny.

Try giving the dog rawhide versus actual meat bones. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog. Rawhide is healthy and good for their teeth, so don't share that T-bone no matter what faces they make.

If your dog is undergoing a course of treatment with medication or therapy, make sure you follow your veterinarian's instructions precisely. He may not like wearing a cone over his head, but it's prescribed for a reason! Vet recommendations are for the health and well-being of your dog and failure to adhere to them could result in serious problems.

Your dog must learn to walk on a leash correctly. He should know the "heel" command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. If you are using a loose leash, you help your dog to realize this is the best way to go about it.

Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. A dog needs to play and exercise on a regular basis so that it can be happy and healthy. From a walk to chasing a ball, everything counts. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.

Owning a dog brings great benefits and great responsibilities. The best thing dog owners can do is study dog care information. The information above can serve as a terrific resource for years to come.