DOG CARE

The dog was the first animal to be domesticated. For 10,000 years he has served man as hunter, worker, guard, shepherd, and above all as loyal friend and companion.

FEEDING

Feed your dog balanced meals. If you choose a commercially prepared pet food, the words "complete" or "balanced" should appear on the label or package. Dogs have precise food requirements. Dry food or kibble is more economical. It can be fed moistened or dry. Feed puppies several times a day and dogs, between the ages of six months and one year, twice a day. Adult dogs can be fed once a day. Never feed your dog chicken, turkey or pork chop bones. These splinter easily and can do serious damage to the intestines. Do not feed raw eggs; they destroy an essential vitamin. Dogs do not need variety in food. ALWAYS keep, clean, cool water where your dog can help himself when he’s thirsty. Water is vital to your pet's health.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Keep your dog at home, within your yard or in the house at all times, unless accompanied by you or another responsible person at the other end of a leash. Otherwise, you are breaking the law and endangering the life of your pet. Don’t feel bad because your dog can’t "run free." It’s not true that dogs need a lot of space to run in. Every dog needs a bed of his own, in a quiet spot well protected from drafts. This is his refuge and haven, where he can get the undisturbed rest that he needs. Put your license tag on your dog and not in a drawer. It will help reunite you with your pet if he or she gets lost.

GOOD HEALTH CARE

Rule one in caring for your pet’s health is to choose a veterinarian. Keep his address and telephone number handy in case of emergency. Your veterinarian will help you prevent disease in your dog through continued inoculations and regular check-ups. Yearly inoculations are important for the health of your pet.

SPECIAL TRAINING

Dogs are eager to please and like to be trained. You can easily teach your pet the basic rules of good behavior at home. Get a book of simple instructions from your library. All experts agree that dogs learn more quickly with kindness than with punishment. Be firm, but patient. Training should be fun for both master and pet.