Hampton Roads Dogs For Adoption: Top 10 Dog Care Essentials

Dogs gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty and friendship. In return, they count on you to provide them with food, water, safe shelter, veterinary care, exercise, companionship and more. By taking care of these 10 essentials, you'll be assured to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

External Identification. Outfit your dog with a collar and Id tag that includes yourname, address and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your dog may become lost - an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely. The dogs collar should not be tight, it should fit so two fingers can slip easily under the collar. Microchip Identification. Have your dog microchipped by your veterinarian. Microchip ID will ensure that your dog will be returned to you if he is lost, even if his collar came off. When scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter, your phone number, address and other vital information will show and you can be contacted.

Follow local laws for licensing and vaccinating your dog for rabies. Check with you local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.

Follow this simple rule - off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.

Give your dog proper protection. A fenced yard with a dog house is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time with their family, not alone outside.

Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter, humane society or pet-owning friend for a referral.

Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.

Give your dog a nutritionally balanced diet, including access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. Dietary requirements change as dogs get older, and a dog's teeth need to be cleaned and monitoredregularly to ensure he can eat properly.

Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your pet's behavior safely and humanely. The experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.

Give your dog enough exercie to keep him physically fit. Most dog owners find that playing with their pet, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much asit benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog's sense of well being. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, cinsult your veterinarian.

Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. Remember, not all "behavior problems are just that; many can be indicators of health problems. For example, a dog who is suddenly growling or snapping when you toush his ears may have an ear infection. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian for advice.