There are a lot of pets out there. A myriad of choices awaits, such as a cat, reptile, fish or even a small rodent. If you want a companion that will always love you, nothing is better than a dog. This article helps you to become the best possible owner of your dog.

Avoid insisting that your dog socialize nicely with every other passing dog. Experts recommend that your dog be able to tolerate introductions through sniffing and eying with another animal, but say forcing the issue can create problems. Accept your dog’s lead when meeting and greeting other animals and allow for natural interaction.

Much like people in the United States, many dogs are overweight. Having a few extra pounds on their frame can lead to a number of health problems, like cancer or diabetes. Many owners simply overfeed their pets. Talk to your veterinarian about how many calories your dog needs each day so you can adjust their meals accordingly.

Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food. Check with an animal advocacy group for a list of foods you should be feeding your dog. You will see a difference in your dog’s activity level and general happiness when you feed him “good” food.

Keep your dog’s teeth in tip tip condition. Just like humans, a dog can suffer from toothache, gum disease and even tooth loss. Regular brushing will ensure that that his teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. Without regular brushing, it is estimated that dental disease will affect up to 80% of dogs by the age of three. As well as dental cleaning by a vet, make sure that you brush your dog’s teeth regularly.

Pet

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.

Take care to keep your dog cool while traveling during the summer by car. Even with your air-conditioning on, the dog may become over-heated in his pet carrier. A simple and low-cost countermeasure is freezing a few gallon jugs of water and placing them near him where he can curl up and cool off.

If your dog is still getting used to the grooming process, only work with him or her in short bursts. Groom for about five minutes and then stop and move on to another activity. Eventually, start adding on two or three minutes to your total grooming time until your pet is able to handle a full session.

Give your dog a lot of love. Most of the time you are paying attention to the very bad things they do and overlooking the good. This may eventually cause problems. Praise your dog at least 5x more than you discipline him. Your dog will be better behaved.

At first, it’s not easy to bring a canine home. However, you’ll be better prepared for the journey by using the advice above. Just ensure you keep learning as much as you can. By doing this, you will enjoy an incredible furry companion for years to come.