Caring For Your Dog

Caring for your dog is important to your dog's health and well being. Your dog is your companion and friend giving you a lifetime of unconditional love and friendship. Your dog also counts on you to provide him with the essentials he needs to be happy and healthy. We hope new dog owners as well as experienced ones will find this information helpful.

Caring for your dog essentials:

Always have fresh clean drinking water available at all times. Large stainless steel bowls are excellent for their drinking water. Automatic drinking bowls are great if you work during the day. These allow for continious access to fresh water in case of spills or if your dog seems to lap more water onto the floor instead of in his mouth.

Your dog needs a nutritional well balanced diet. You can ask your vet for advice on what your dog should eat and how often he should be fed.

Give your dog enough daily exercise to keep him physically fit. If you have concerns about how much exercise he should have consult your vet. Club Dogz Doggie Day Care provides great daily exercise and social activities.

Your dog will need a safe place to eliminate if he is not being paper or litter trained indoors. Always keep this area clean. You should clean it daily of you are not available to immediately pick it up.

If your dog is in a fenced yard make sure the yard is safe. Take a walk around and check the area out. This is an important job in caring for your dog. There are many things lurking in the yard that may be harmful to your dog:

Plants that are poisionous to dogs.

Spaces and gaps in fencing that your dog can squeeze through.

Be aware of any structure that he could climb onto and jump the fence.

Make sure latches on gates are secured as some dogs know how to open them.

Antifreeze is poison to your dog. Dont allow him to be around anyplace cars have been parked. Antifreeze has a sweet taste and dogs are attracted to it but it is fatal.

Do you have a pool or pond in your yard? If you do make sure it is securly covered when your dog is in the yard. Dogs can drown if they fall in and can't get out.

Are your trashcans lids secure? If not you may come home to a stinky mess if your dog decides to check out the garbage.

If your dog is outside he needs proper shelter. A dog house is great. Your dog should not be left alone or outside for extended periods of time. Dogs need companionship and should be inside with their family most of the time. If this is not possible look into Club Dogz Doggie Day Care where your dog can play all day and socialize with playmates.

Have a good fitting collar and ID tag. The collar should be tight enough that your dog can not slip out of it easily but loose enough that it is not constricting. The ID tag should have your name, address and telephone number on it. All dogs should have an ID tag, you never know when he could become lost.

Always keep your dog on a leash when he is not secured on your property.

Spay or neuter your dog. Overpopulation is a problem and unless you intend on breeding please have your dog spayed or deutered. Dogs who have had this surgery are also more likely to be healthier, live longer and fewer social problems such as biting, fighting or escaping.

Make regular Veterinarian visits for check-ups and vaccinations.

There are local licenceing requirements. Almost all areas require rabies vaccinations. Check with your local humane society or veterinarian for the requirements in your area.

Enroll your dog in training classes. Training not only helps you to control your dog's behavior but is a great way to enhance the bond you share with your dog.

Caring for your dog can be trying at times but remember most problems can be corrected with the proper care, love and training. Your dog is your friend and companion and will love you unconditionally for life. Treat him the same way and you will share a bond that will last a lifetime.

Caring For Your Dog In The Winter

Summertime Dog Care

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