Dog Care Information

A dog makes a wonderful friend and companion, offering unconditional loyalty and love. It is important to know what is necessary to care for your pet. There are certain basic needs that must be met.

  1. Identification/License

    • Placing an identification tag on your dog's collar that includes your name, address and phone number can prevent him from becoming lost. If your local law requires you to purchase a license for your pet, make sure he has that as well.

    Food/Shelter

    • Provide your dog with a healthy diet appropriate for her age and size, and clean, fresh water. Make sure she has proper shelter when she is outside. A doghouse and a fenced yard is ideal and some form of shade is important when it is hot. You should not leave her outside alone for long periods of time.

    Veterinary Care

    • Regular veterinary care is important, including the necessary vaccinations to keep your dog in good health and protect him from illness and disease.

    Spay/Neuter

    • It is important to spay or neuter your dog to prevent overpopulation. In addition, according to the Humane Society of the United States, altered dogs are usually healthier with fewer behavioral issues and they may live longer.

    Exercise/Training

    • Regular exercise helps to keep your dog in good physical condition. She should be walked twice daily and you should spend time playing with her each day. A training course can be a good experience for you and your dog as you learn how to control her and she learns appropriate behavior.

    Cost

    • According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the cost of caring for a small dog is about $420 each year. The cost for a medium dog is $620 and it is $780 for a large dog. This does not include the cost of spay or neuter surgery, or his carrier, crate, collar and leash.