Owning a dog is not easy, and it should not be taken lightly. It is even somewhat akin to raising a child. Even though dog care is challenging, you can handle it if you know what you're doing. Want some advice? Read on.

While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog's mouth is extremely dirty. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog's butts. It is an old wives' tale that dogs have cleaner months than humans. This is completely wrong!

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 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 Puppies Topic #2 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.

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.

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.

Not every dog is capable of going to the dog park. Some dogs will not do well around other dogs that they do not know. Get to know how your dog does around friends' or neighbors' dogs before you attempt to take him to the park. This way, you will know if he will be aggressive towards other dogs.

Your dog needs to exercise regularly. Like humans, dogs must exercise to burn calories, remain healthy, and help their minds stay sharp. Exercising also helps them avoid boredom that can cause destructive behaviors. Keeping your dog active can curb chewing, biting, digging, and chasing urges. It can even help them avoid depression.

Groom your dog frequently. Puppies Topic #2 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.

When you own a dog, you typically understand the general costs of ownership, such as food, vet visits, and grooming. A generally overlooked cost is emergency situations. Although it may not happen frequently, you should have a bit of money set aside for any emergency that may arise. It's better to be prepared for an emergency vet visit than to wonder how you are going to pay for it.

If you have a smaller breed dog, make sure everyone who touches him knows the Puppies Topic #2 proper way to hold him. Small dogs can be easily injured by inappropriate handling and many owners find this out the hard way. Gently lift at the belly from under his front legs and secure him with both hands.

Dog care is a serious subject if you are a pet owner. Just as with child care, dog care requires you to provide all of the essentials for life. Though it is a big job to do, you should be able to do it. This article will highlight different ways to be a great owner.