Isn't it great to have a dog? A dog is always there for you after a long day, and doesn't ask for anything but your love all day. In return, you must give him a safe home, with food and water. However, there are other things that must be done as well. Read this article for tips about how to keep your dog happy.

Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide them with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be puppies - topic fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.

If you are in the market for a new puppy, make sure you will have enough time to devote to his training. On average, you need to take a young dog outside to do his business eight times a day and that can take a lot away from your schedule. Training takes more time and patience than most people realize.

If you're adopting your pet from a shelter, it's important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. You need to be sure that you get your animal all of the shots it needs prior to bringing it home.

When selecting a brand of dog food for your pet, read the labels carefully and avoid the cheapest brands. Overall, your dog will benefit form a lifetime of quality food. Though better brands cost more, it is worth it to know your dog is receiving the nutrients it needs.

If you do not have any ear cleaner solution on hand, you can use a baby wipe instead. Simply wrap it around the tip of your finger and wipe the inside of the ear's surface. Only go as far as your finger can easily fit. Do not use Q-tips as they can injure the ear.

Be prepared for natural disasters that also impact your dog. Have an emergency supply of water and food for him and know in advance if your local shelter for people will allow pets inside. Too many pets are injured or lost following storms, floods and other situations that cause chaos in a community.

Dogs, like puppies - topic humans, can develop health problems, and because of this they should be taken to see their vet at least once eat year. This can help to diagnosis any health issues early on, reducing both the extremity of the illness and the cost to fix it. Do whatever you can to follow this rule of thumb strictly.

Never leave your dog home alone for more than a few hours each day. For example, if you are planning on being away from home for a few days, you should find a place to house them puppies - topic where they can get regular care. Dogs can become anxious when left alone for extended times, so consider their feelings and provide them with the care that they need.

Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little Pedialyte to rehydrate him.

Be careful when choosing what to feed your dog. You'll find a wide variety of food to buy, but they're not one-size-fits-all. Choose the food that fits both your dog's age and size. Though just giving your dog your own leftovers is cheaper, it is not good for their health.

If you have a snack, you might think that it's okay for your dog to take a bite. Certain foods are fine, but other are not very good for dogs. Your should not give your dog grapes, caffeine, or chocolate, for instance. These kinds of foods may have detrimental effects on the animal's health.

It isn't enough to feed your dog; you need to make sure that you give him a full life that he can enjoy. The tips in this article are meant to help you to think more about how you can be there for your dog. After all, isn't he there for you?