Giving your dog a bath is essential to his health. Depending on his size and Puppies Topic activity level, toss him in the tub weekly or monthly and always use a shampoo that is made for Cute Puppies dogs and is pH balanced. Pets have different pH levels than humans and a good dog shampoo will leave your canine clean with a beautiful shiny coat.

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he or she may eventually come in contact with a skunk. If he gets sprayed, mix together one teaspoon of dish-washing detergent, a fourth a cup of baking soda and a quart of hydrogen peroxide solution (but make sure it is no more than three percent). Apply the mixture to your dog’s coat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wash your dog off well afterward.

Don’t forget to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Long nails can make him uncomfortable, cause injury to his feet and will ruin your floors. If he makes a “click” sound when he walks on hard wood or linoleum, that’s a good indication it’s time for a trim. Ask your vet to do it if necessary.

Don’t make you dog eat something they don’t want to eat. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. Learn about your dog’s various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.

Adopting a dog is a great idea. They make perfect pets and are incredibly loving. To ensure that your dog is healthy and happy does, however, take some effort. Utilize the great dog-care tips discussed in this article to avoid problems and ensure that your doggy lives a happy and healthy life full of fun and joy.

Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for your dog. They contain carcinogens proven to cause cancer in kids. Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.

Never allow your dog to be alone with small children, no matter how much you trust his temperament. Many little kids have been attacked by family dogs who have otherwise never demonstrated a tendency towards violence. Sleeping dogs may be woken by a toddler and react negatively or some other offense is committed against the animal that sets him off.

Start training your dog as soon as you bring them home. Create a vocabulary list that all your family members will use to command the dog and stick to it. Dogs can become confused if the same words are not used to give them directions. The dog will see “get over here” and “come” as two different commands.

Designate a family member or close friend to be responsible for your dog, should something happen to you. If you are in an accident and unable to get home, your dog will need someone to feed him and address other needs. Perhaps you trust a neighbor with your house keys and they could act for you in a time of need.

Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. If you do, he will hang around you constantly wanting more every time you eat. Your dog may also stop eating his own food as much. Feeding table scraps to your dog could lead to digestive problems or obesity. Make your dog stay out of the room when the family is eating.

If you notice your dog gets dry skin in the winter, you probably need to brush him or her more often. Doing Funny Things so will get rid of old fur and help get their oil glands working properly. Try brushing once in the morning and once in the evening to see if it makes a difference for your pet.

You may know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but you may not know the specifics. Chocolate is dangerous because of the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous, with a high amount of stimulants. White chocolate contains the least amount of stimulants. Take you dog to vet if he ingests chocolate.

Dogs make great pets. To be a great pet owner, however, does require some work on your part. Take time to educate yourself on all of the latest doggy-care recommendations. Apply everything you learn, including the hot tips from this article, to ensure that your loyal pooch lives a healthy and very happy life.

Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.

Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. If you much prefer to be at home, a small dog that enjoys a lot of inside time is an ideal choice. By selecting the right dog breed, both you and your dog will be more content.

Groom your dog frequently. Keep them clean and reduce the amount of hair they shed by brushing them frequently. When the weather warms up, start checking them for ticks and fleas daily. Dogs generally require a few baths a year. Before you give your dog a bath, make sure to cut or comb out mats and tangles. Rinse their coat thoroughly to avoid dirt sticking to any soap residue.