Dog Care
When you add a dog to your family, you are taking responsibility for another creature’s proper care and wellbeing, including unconditional love, loyalty and friendship, food and water, shelter, safety, and exercise, to keep your dog safe, happy and healthy.
It is important to collar your dog with an attached ID stating the dog’s name, your name, your address and a contact telephone number. This way, if your dog is to ever get lost it will be much easier for him or her to be returned home safely. Legally you are required to register your dog with the council and obtain official ID tag, as well as getting your dog vaccinated against rabies and other major conditions at the correct time. When off your own property, especially near roadways or in busy areas, it is best to keep your dog on a leash as much as possible to keep your dog safe and prevent any potential harm to others.
The shelter your provide for your dog should include an adequately fenced in yard for large and active dogs, and all dogs should have their own designated sleeping area, whether it be an outside kennel, a dog-bed, or a particular couch. Remember that dogs need companionship and should be involved in family activities and not left alone for long periods of time unnecessarily.
To keep your dog healthy it is important to provide a nutritionally balanced diet with constant access to fresh water, and regular exercise should be available- if you don’t have a very large backyard you should take your dog for a walk at least once a day to keep it active and fit, although of course the level of activity depends on the breed of dog. Regular veterinary checkups will keep any health problems under control, making life easier for you and your dog.
