subject: Taking Care Of A Dog [print this page] Taking Care Of A Dog
It actually takes a lot of responsibility to take proper care of a dog; much more, in several ways, than it takes to care for a cat. Before you run out to the shelter, breeder, or pet store and adopt a new furry companion, seriously contemplate whether you've got the kind of time it will take to do it properly. A lot of dogs end up heading off to the shelter due to the fact the owner got them impulsively and wasn't responsible enough or didn't have the time to look after it correctly. Make sure you don't put an innocent animal in this position by considering your circumstances.
Should you decide that you want to be a dog owner, there are a lot of responsibilities involved. They should be groomed regularly, taken out and walked, not just to go to the bathroom, but for exercise. It doesn't matter where you live, even during the winter a dog needs to go out. You simply can't just let your pet run free, opening the doorway and letting them out into the back yard, or to run amok in the streets. You don't only run the risk of them getting injured, but animal control could eventually find them. It is also not responsible of you to let the dog just relieve themselves in somebody else's yard and not clean up after your pet dog.
Needless to say you will want to give the dog the correct amounts of food and water. I am sure you thought of that. And you've also probably thought of the time and effort it requires to housebreak a puppy. While a cat will naturally take to a litter box, a dog will need to learn how to notify you that it's time to go outside.
Regular visits to the veterinarian should be an important part of each and every pet's life. With dogs, they will most likely be required legally to wear tags showing that they are up to date on their shots. It's not just for the dog's safety, but for the animals and people that it makes contact with too. For example, if your dog gets into a scuffle with another animal or bites someone while protecting you, you should have proof of certain vaccinations.
A dog will enjoy many of the same outdoor activities like you do, from walking in the park, hiking and even outdoor camping. It's important that you keep your dog on a leash at all times, because even the best trained dog can get away. In the summer, you need to make sure that the family pet has enough fresh water, avoiding drinking from puddles, or salt water, depending on where you live. Even though most dogs have fur coats doesn't mean they're not susceptible to the cold weather. Their paws are sensitive, and can be damaged by frostbite the same as human hands.
I have listed some of the things you need to do as a responsible pet parent. Luckily, there are many websites available offering advice and tips on owning a dog, what type of dog that would go right with you as well as numerous others.
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