Dogs are important family members, and you must know how to take care of them. The pets we keep at home also need the care we accord to other family members. Dogs have a physical and emotional side that is why you will see them exhibiting erratic behaviors, become sick, or need attention.

Caring for a dog is a responsibility, and when you decide to own one, invest a lot of time in it. These are also basic tips that could help you be a good guardian to your dog:

1.Feed the Dog on High Quality Food

Make sure you know the kind of food you are feeding your pet. Your local veterinarian must know the best quality of dog food, they can advise on the quantity the dog should eat.

2.Feed the Dog Regularly

A typical dog will feed twice in a day. By looking at the package, you will know the quantity the dog should consume. The best time for feeding should be in the morning and evening.

3.Avoid "Over treating" your Dog or Giving People Food

Too many treats can push the dog towards obesity. Give her treats during training as the only appropriate time. Giving them animal foods such as dough, avocado, chocolate onions, and grapes is not advisable.

4.Give the Dog Water

Water and food are two things a dog needs to stay active and to survive. Make sure you have a container with clean water where the dog can easily access.

5.Get the Dog a Dependable Veterinarian

The best way to choose a vet is to gauge how they answer your questions and how they interact with the pet. Take your dog for regular check-ups to make sure the dog is safe and healthy. It can be a good thing if you can get veterinarian who is open 24-hours a day, including weekends.

6.Vaccinating the Dog

Once again, the vet officers will advise on the best vaccines to use as you talk about the common diseases in the area. In most states, you are required to vaccinate against rabies. Vaccination is essential even when there is no legal enforcement.

7.Fit the Dog with an ID Chip

The ID chip is a small chip injected under the dog’s skin over the shoulders. Every chip has a unique ID registered on a database. The ID chip is important when tracing the owner if the dog is lost.

8.Deworming and Regularly Spray your Pet

Deworming the dog is something you should forget to do regularly. The number of times depends on the dog’s lifestyle. An indoor dog does not need as much deworming as a hunting one. Other treatments include the use of preventive medicines against heartworms, fleas, ticks, etc.

9.De-sexing the Dog

De-sexing reduces the chances of your dog contracting some health complications such as mammary cancer, aggressiomand prostatic disease, and formation of pus in the womb. The issue of accidental breeding is controlled.

10.Pet Insurance

Show your care by paying premiums for a health insurance cover for your pet in case of sickness. In case of any emergencies, the insurance will cover most if not all the cost involved in the treatment.

11.Brush Your Dog Regularly

The number of times you should brush your pet depends on the breed of the dog and how much hair it sheds. Regular brushing reduces the shedding rate and thus gives you an opportunity of assessing the state of the dog.

12.Make Sure the Coat is Clean

A dirty coat leads to other diseases and skin infections. Bathe the dog regularly using a mild shampoo. Depending on the breed and variety, bathe the dog at least once in a month.

13.Trim the Dogs Nails

Dogs do not like their nails trimmed, but you must do so to keep the paws healthy. Do not cut near the paws to avoid hurting the dog. Let the dog know that you associate trimming with hygiene to make her relax throughout the process.

14.Give the Dog Some Exercise

The right amount of exercise and playtime gives the dog the reason to be happy. Dogs behave differently when subjected to exercises. Some prefer to catch and fetch while others prefer the long walks.

15.Socialize the Dog

Dogs also need a social life to adjust well to their environment. Introduce the puppy to different people, sounds, sights, scents, etc. what the dog sees or plays with to around eighteen weeks, and the dog will grow up normally without any sign of fear.