Dogs are fantastic as pets because they give you loyalty and can be great company. This, however, doesn’t mean that they just come that way. You need to take the time to encourage good behavior and make sure your dog learns a few commands. This guide can teach you about dogs, so read on.

Your dog needs an annual physical exam from the vet, just as you need one from your doctor. Dogs can’t talk, so how do you know he has arthritis, for example? Check-ups can reveal that and more.

TIP! Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses.

When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Swallowing just a few pills could lead to catastrophic health issues for your dog, including a seizure or heart attack. If you notice that your dog has consumed any of your medication, you need to immediately contact your vet.

Table Scraps

Do not fall prey to the temptation to feed table scraps to your dog. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. You might be wrecking your dog’s health by giving him table scraps. Don’t allow your dog to beg at the table while you are eating.

TIP! You should not kiss your dog. Dog kisses are cute, in theory, but understand a dog’s mouth is typically very dirty.

It’s a good idea to have your regular dog training sessions in your own yard or at home. Avoid training your dog in heavily occupied areas. Your dog could become distracted and will be tougher to teach.

If you’re trying to figure out what type of dog you might want to get, take a look at your lifestyle. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. When you match your traits and the traits of your pet, you will both be happy.

Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. Though some folks feed whatever the package recommends, those guidelines are not always appropriate and can lead to overfeeding. The vet will know what is best for your pet.

TIP! Talk with your vet about the foods you should feed your dog. Puppies may lack the development needed to tolerate certain kinds of food without getting sick.

You have likely realized that it isn’t terribly hard to care for your dog. It can be hard at first, but this advice should help you. Use the information here, and you’ll be able to take good care of your canine friend.