1. Good grooming. It is very important that pet dogs are clean. This will not only protect dogs from viruses, but this will also prevent the proliferation of diseases inside the house because dogs can really be carriers of germs as it roam both the outdoor and indoor of the house. Also, it is nice to hug and play around with dogs that are clean and well-groomed.
2. Provide vaccines and anti-rabies shots for pet dogs. This is very true, especially during the early years of the dogs because dogs, during this time, are prone to viruses that might adversely (or fatally) affect its health. De-worming, for one, is a very important vaccine for dogs since this is the usual cause of death among dogs during its early years.
3. Recreation and fun. It should be taken into the mind always that dogs are also like humans wherein it needs some time to relax and loosen up its muscles.  Dogs want to play around and do a lot of running. In this way, this will also strengthen the bond between dogs and owners.  Meanwhile, this is also the best time in teaching pet dog tricks, which will not only relax its muscles but also sharpen its memory retention skills.
4. Impose discipline. Even how domesticated dogs have become, still these are animals that have instincts, which are unpredictable and dangerous. Dogs should be trained and taught on who the master is and who the follower is. In this way, dogs know where it stood in the household, and that, in a way, can learn to restrain by following its master’s commands.
5. Tender loving care. Despite the fact that dogs are animals, they still need some loving and caring, which are typical acts of love from a master to their pets. It might sound like a cliché already, but dogs are treasures in the family that can be relied on in terms of trouble (or, simply putting it – when one gets lonely). Dogs can give happiness and comfort without being so demanded of a reciprocated love; hence, it is a must that owners should take good care of their dogs by giving it utmost love and attention.  Treating dogs as part of the family should be practiced because, if otherwise, then it is better not to have dogs at all.

Pets have since been part of human life. Ancient aristocracy in Egypt kept cats and birds as shown in wall paintings on many of royalty’s their tombs. Extreme cases are in the likes of Roman Emperor Caligula, who appointed his horse to be his successor. But for every extreme, there are great stories of master and animal relationships like Alexander the Great and his trusted horse Bucephalus, the touted pigeon message carriers of World War I or Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s dog pet Fala. Either by mutual necessity or sheer deep relationship, the pet has been a part of man as his own history.

Perhaps there is no animal more intimate with humans than dogs. Disciplined, intelligent and fiercely loyal they have evolved with the human race through many centuries.

It cannot be pointed specifically how dogs entered into evolution but many believed that man’s penchant for dogs started when early humans hunted and traveled in the cold steppes of Europe. The wolf could be the direct descendant of those creatures. Wolves are still utilized these days as sled pullers in the northernmost hemispheres and this is one great clue on where man started his relationship with dogs.

The animal showed great courage and fidelity through these early years and so man came to rely on the dog as a companion and a work animal. Eventual breeding and cross breeding produced various types of dogs that we see today.

These days it is common for pet lovers, especially dog lovers to show great care for animals. Veterinary clinics are a common place in many communities and the number of grooming salons for animals is ever growing. The dog food industry is a multi-million dollar industry and so are dog care solutions and accessories.

Dogs indeed need special care. Because of their body mass and behavior, they need a unique balance of nutrients different from man. Their metabolism and basic anatomy also require them to be vaccinated from common illnesses. For the bigger dog lovers, further grooming and care are afforded to the animals to make sure they are top conditions, and they are free from illnesses.

Sufficient and healthy food, hygiene, warm living environment and proper vitamins and medicines including vaccinations allow dogs and pets to live a full and happy life. And just as what man has experienced for centuries, a happy pet makes a happy master.

Here are five dog care tips that will keep your dog healthy and happy, and that will ensure your own happiness and peace of mind as a dog owner.

1. Dog Grooming. A dog’s shiny coat is more than just beauty; it is indicative that your pet is healthy and well-groomed. Bathe your dogs regularly to make sure its coat or hair stays clean. However, it is not advisable to give your dog a bath on a very frequent basis as this would dry out its skin and coat and may result in skin infections. Long-time pet owners recommend bathing your canine friend once a month, and rubbing damp towels or washing its paws in between.  Regardless of your dog’s hair type, brush it daily. Most dogs actually enjoy this, and this is a perfect bonding activity for the two of you. Frequent brushing can help prevent hair build-up and excess shedding. Dogs that are typically hairy or have continuously growing hair would also need a regular haircut or trim. Your dog will also need regular nail trimming, but do it correctly and without inflicting any pain.  Make sure to clean your dog’s ears properly as well, as dirty ears can be a haven for yeast and bacteria.
2. Immunization and Physical Check-Up. Take your dog to its doctor regularly for proper physical examination – ideally every 2-3 months. However, checking the pad of your pet’s feet for any injuries and examining his ears, mouth and teeth, are things you can do by yourself every now and then. You also need to get your dog vaccinated against rabies and other diseases. Remember that it is important to ensure the health of your dog as well as of those who come in contact with it.
3. Balanced Diet and Exercise. Just like human beings, dogs need a nutritionally balanced diet and constant access to clean, fresh water in order to stay healthy and active. It is best to consult a veterinary doctor regarding the proper diet for your dog.  Moreover, if you want your canine friend to remain fit and healthy, make sure it gets the proper amount of exercise. Take it for a walk twice a day or let it run around the yard and play fetch. Keeping your dog physically busy will help keep any behavioral problem at bay. However, don’t forget that the level or degree of exercise that your dog needs depends greatly on its breed and its age.
4. Proper Shelter. Provide proper shelter for your dog in the form of a dog house or a cage. Most dogs, however, crave and need companionship and hate being alone for long periods. Therefore, try to spend as much time with your dog as possible and take it to the dog house only at nights. If you don’t have outdoor space for a cage or dog house, you can put up a comfortable dog bed indoors where your furry friend can sleep during the night and take little naps during the day.
5. Safety. Put a collar and leash on your dog to make sure it doesn’t run off during walks and doesn’t get hit by any running vehicle, as well as to keep it from attacking and biting anyone. A leash is also very necessary in training your dog. Make sure to attach an ID to the collar, where you indicate your dog’s name, as well as your name, address, and contact number. This will be very helpful when your dog gets lost.

Humans and dogs have been “best friends” for a long time. While dogs give us unconditional love and unmatched loyalty, we, as owners, must in turn be responsible for their proper care. Our dogs rely on us for shelter, food and water, safety, health care, and exercise in exchange for companionship and a lot of other rewards that naturally come with taking special care of a pet.