Pup
Copyright (c) 2008 Christine Beals
That Dog Blog
http://thatdogblog.com/
Caring for a dog is much more than just feeding it daily. One of
the saddest things in the world is a neglected animal -
especially a doting dog. Dogs love and need bundles of attention
and tender loving care. Their whole day revolves around when they
can expect some love and attention from you, their owner.
Basically, your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love,
friendship, and loyalty. In return for all of his/her love and
affection he/she counts on you to provide all his/her necessities
such as food, water, a safe shelter, exercise, veterinary care
and much more.
A good place to start when caring for your appreciative pooch is
with identification tags. Outfit your pooch with a collar and ID
tag that includes all your vital contact information such as your
name, address, and an easily reachable telephone number. No
matter how careful of an owner you are, there's always a chance
your lovely companion may become lost at some point. A collar and
ID tag will greatly increases the chance that you and your pet
will be happily united again.
After you have collared and ID tagged your dog, you should think
about vaccination. It's extremely important to follow local laws
for licensing your dog and vaccinating him/her for rabies - not
only for your pooch but for your own well being too. A great
place to look for information is your local animal shelter or
humane society. These agencies can give you information regarding
legal requirements, and where to have you passionate pooch
vaccinated.
Not only does your doggie need vaccinating, it also needs regular
check-ups with a veterinarian. A dog is just like you or I, it
needs regular check-ups with his/her doctor to ensure the proper
health of your pet. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your
local animal shelter or your loving pet-owning friend for a
referral and check out the provided information on choosing a
veterinarian.
Once you have found a veterinarian both you and your dog love,
then 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 through 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 such as biting, running away,
and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are
also doing your part to reduce the disheartening problem of pet
overpopulation.
Now that we have addressed your pets' medical needs, you should
think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give
your pooch a balanced diet with constant and consistent access to
fresh clean water. Your veterinarian can give you information
about the proper type of food, and the amount that will keep your
companion healthy and happy. He or she can also give you
information on how often to feed your dog, because various breeds
require different amounts of food.
When caring for your dog you have to think of proper shelter. A
fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal setting for your pooch.
Remember that if your dog is large and active, it typically needs
more space and room outside to run and play. However, dogs should
never be left outside alone for extended periods of time. This
all goes back to the deep down need dogs have for love and
attention. Dogs truly need and crave companionship and should
spend most of their time inside with the family - since they are
a vital family member.
Just like you or I, your dog needs plenty of exercise and
movement to stay healthy. Make sure he/she gets enough exercise
to keep him/her physically fit but not exhausted. Many dog owners
agree that playing a game, or with use of throw toys with their
canine companion, along with twice daily walks provide sufficient
exercise for your pooch. If you should have any questions or
concerns with this, once again it is wise to check with your
loving veterinarian for their advice on the proper amount of
physical activity suited to your dog.
Many experts agree there is also a simple rule to remember when
thinking of care for your dog - off property, on leash! Even if
you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag,
and a collar and ID tag, your companion should still be on a
leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside of your
home or fenced yard - ever. It may sound harsh but it the best
bet for you, your community, and your dog to keep control of your
pet at all times. The old saying "it's better to be safe than
sorry" applies here.
Along with keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe it
is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training
class. Positive training will allow you to control your
companion's behavior safely and humanely. Not only will this
bring some control to your hands, it provides a terrific
opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your pooch. The
humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide
information on reputable dog trainers.
Lastly and most importantly in thinking about proper dog care is
love - and lots of it! Be loyal to, loving, and patient with your
faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you -
that is something you must remember. Make sure the expectations
you have of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember if
you do encounter some behavioral problem, the vast majority of
them can be solved with a little time, effort and supporting
love. If at any time you are struggling to meet all the things
that are required to love and care for your dog, you must contact
your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and
direction. If for some reason you can't handle the responsibility
of loving and caring for your animal, someone else gladly can and
will.
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Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides
information for That Dog Blog (http://thatdogblog.com/)
where you'll find information on Greyhounds
(http://thatdogblog.com/category/greyhounds/)
and other dog breeds. That Dog Blog is a part of the Go!
Blog Network.
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