Your dog is your best friend, is loyal and your companion so he/she deserves to be cared for so that he/she lives a long and healthy life.

Your dog needs more than food, water and exercise. Your dog needs proper shelter, regular vet care, proper exercise and companionship.

Here are some excellent dog care tips for your dog:

Collar and ID Tag

The dog in your life needs to have a collar and ID tag with current information on it so that if lost he/she can be returned to you. Your dog can be identified as your dog if the occasion arises that you need to prove that he/she belongs to you.

Keep current pictures of your dog along with vet papers from visits to also prove the dog is your dog.

Dog Licensing and Vaccinating Rules

Make sure that you know and follow all local dog licensing and vaccinating rules for where you live. These local rules can be found by contacting the local animal shelter or humane society.

You can also find out where to obtain ID tags and license tags for your dog as well as a list of local vets that can give your dog medical care and vaccinations.

Use a Leash

Always make sure that when your dog is off your property that the dog is on a leash. This is for the protection of your dog and for the protection of those who meet your dog.

A leash allows you the best opportunity for controlling your dog in situations that may arise when you are off your property.

Proper Shelter

Your dog needs proper shelter whether a inside dog or an outside dog. Dogs should never be left outside for extended periods of time without human supervision. Dogs crave and need to have human interaction.

They should spend most of the time with the humans in the family and not alone outside.

Regular Vet Care

Your dog needs to have regular vet care. Ask your local dog shelter, humane society, neighbor or friend for vet recommendations.

Have Your Dog Spayed or Neutered

A dog that has been spayed or neutered is healthier and has fewer behavior problems (biting, running away). Spaying and neutering also reduces pet overpopulation, which is a problem in most communities.

Fresh Food and Fresh Water on a Daily Basis

Your dog needs to have daily fresh food and fresh water. Your vet can advise you on the proper nutrition for your dog’s age and breed.

Dog Training Classes

A dog and you can benefit from dog training classes in your community. Make sure that they are positive training classes. Dog-training classes not only help you to have a better-behaved dog, but aides in bonding with a new dog or puppy.

Daily Exercise

Dogs need daily exercise and some breeds need specific exercise amounts to keep them healthy.

Physical and Emotional Support

Understanding what you dog needs in the way of physical and emotional support will not only help the dog but will foster a closer bond between you and your beloved dog.

When you take the time to understand what care your dog needs, you are doing all you can to help your dog live a long and healthy life.

Your dog will not only be a better dog when it receives the quality care it needs and deserves but it will have the ability to be a better dog companion for many more years to you and to your other family members.