PROPER CARE—DOGS

Dogs are intelligent and fun, each has a unique personality, and they are rightly known as mans best friend. However, all dogs, no matter their size or temperament, require a great deal of energy, attention, care, space, and financial commitment.

DOG DOS

• Companionship—to live in a family setting, with other dogs or people
• Space and freedom to move around
• A balanced diet
• Fresh, clean water
• A comfortable place to sleep, away from noise and the elements
• A daily walk of at least 45 minutes, on leash while near roads or people
• The opportunity to go to the bathroom three times a day (puppies need more)
• To be brushed regularly and have clean teeth
• Responsible carers to always pick up their mess
• To have a collar with name and contact number on it
• To be microchipped and neutered, and to be adequately vaccinated
• To be taken to the vet when sick or injured or when showing abnormal behaviour
• To be properly cared for while you are on vacation
• To be properly trained—you are responsible for your dog’s behaviour
• To be given preventives for parasites such as heartworm and ticks


DOG DON’TS

• Don’t leave your dog by itself all day, on a balcony or outside
• Don’t keep a dog in a cage or on a chain
• Don’t feed bread, rice, etc., which have little nutritional value to a dog
• Don’t feed onions or cooked bones, which are dangerous (garlic and raw bones are fine)
• Don’t hit or humiliate a dog—not only is it cruel, but it creates other problems
• Don’t walk your dog off leash
• Don’t walk your dog by tying him or her to a scooter
• Don’t walk your dog by making him ride in a baby carriage—dogs need to walk and smell the ground
• Don’t treat your dog like a toy by coloring or shaving patterns in the fur or making him or her wear silly clothes
• Don’t allow your dog to become overweight—obese dogs lead miserable, unhealthy, short lives
• Don’t abandon your dog—if you cannot care for your dog any more, find him or her a good home
• Don’t leave your dog in a car on warm or hot days, as dogs can die in minutes like this
• Don’t mutilate your dog. Tail and ear cropping is considered mutilation.

Having a dog as a companion is a life-long commitment. If you cannot provide what a dog needs, you should choose another companion animal that better suits your lifestyle.