Taking care of a dog is much more than feeding it daily. One of the saddest things in the world is a neglected animal, especially a loving dog. Dogs love and need a lot of tender loving care. Their entire day revolves around when they can expect a little love and attention from you, their owner. Basically, your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty. In return for all your love and affection, he / she is counting on you for all his / her needs such as food, water, a safe haven, exercise, veterinary care, and much more.
A good place to start when caring for your beloved dog is identification tags. Equip your dog with a collar and identification tag that includes all of his vital contact information, such as his name, address, and an easily accessible phone number. No matter how careful you are with the owner, there is always the chance that your adorable companion will get lost at some point. A collar and dog tag will greatly increase the chances that you and your pet will happily reunite.
After you have put the collar and identification tag on your dog, you should think about vaccination. It is important to follow local laws for licensing and vaccinating your dog against rabies, not only extremely for your dog but also for your own well-being. A great place to look for information is your local animal shelter or humane society. These agencies can provide you with information on legal requirements and where to vaccinate your passionate dog.
Your dog doesn’t just need vaccinations, he also needs regular check-ups with a vet. A dog is like you or me, it needs regular check-ups with its doctor to ensure the proper health of your pet. If you don’t have a vet, ask your local animal shelter or dear pet owner friend for a reference and check out the information provided on choosing a vet.
Once you’ve found a vet that both you and your dog love, it’s important to think about spaying or neutering your dog. This always makes me think of Bob Barker and his passion for spreading the importance of spaying and neutering by word of mouth on the hit game show The Price is Right. Dogs that have this routine and minor surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems like biting, running away, and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also helping to reduce the daunting problem of pet overcrowding.
Now that we have addressed the medical needs of your pets, you need to think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give your dog a balanced diet with constant and constant access to clean, fresh water. Your veterinarian can provide you with information on the right type of food and the amount that will keep your companion healthy and happy. It can also give you information on how often to feed your dog, as various breeds require different amounts of food.
When caring for your dog, you need to think about a suitable shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal place for your dog. Remember that if your dog is large and active, he usually needs more space and space outside to run and play. However, dogs should never be left alone outdoors for prolonged periods. This all goes back to the deep need dogs have for love and attention. Dogs really need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time indoors with the family, as they are a vital member of the family.
Like you or me, your dog needs a lot of exercise and movement to stay healthy. Make sure you get enough exercise to stay physically fit, but not exhausted. Many dog owners agree that playing a game or using throwing toys with your canine companion, along with walks twice a day, provides enough exercise for your dog. If you have any questions or concerns in this regard, once again, it is wise to consult with your loving vet for advice on the right amount of physical activity suitable for your dog.
Many experts agree that there is also a simple rule to remember when thinking about caring for your dog: off the property, on a leash! Even if you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag, and a collar and identification tag, your companion must be on a leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside your home or fenced yard, ever. It may sound harsh, but it is the best option for you, your community, and your dog to maintain control of your pet at all times. The old saying “prevention is better than cure” applies here.
In addition to keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe that it is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training class. Positive training will allow you to control your partner’s behavior in a safe and humane way. Not only will this bring some control to your hands, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to improve the bond you share with your dog. The humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide information on reputable dog trainers.
Lastly, and the most important thing when thinking about proper dog care, is love, a lot! Be loyal, loving, and patient with your faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you, that’s something to remember. Make sure your expectations of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember that if you encounter any behavior problems, the vast majority of them can be resolved with a little time, effort, and supportive love. If at any time you have a hard time meeting all the things that are required to love and care for your dog, you should contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and guidance. If for some reason you cannot take responsibility for loving and caring for your animal, someone else will be happy to do so and will.
