 Caring for your dog can be a lot of fun, with pet dogs almost as popular as pet cats, if somewhat noisier! It’s possible to have the unique companionship of a pet dog in even a smaller apartment, provided the size of the dog matches the size of the accommodation. Choosing a good vet such as the dedicated professionals at Valley Veterinary Group to take care of your dog’s medical and inoculation needs is crucial, and there’s helpful information on valleyvets.co.uk.
Doggy needs concentrate on human contact, so lots of cuddles are in order, especially if you choose a rescue dog who’s not had a great life so far. Whether you buy a puppy, choosing a specific breed, or go to a dog rescue centre and give a needy dog a loving home, the first stop should be a check-up with your vet, who will also advise on inoculations and flea, tick and internal parasite control as well as neutering.
Having your dog micro-chipped is a very good idea, as even happy dogs can be curious about the world outside and get lost or, heaven forbid, stolen for resale if a fashionable breed. Initial costs of a doggy set-up will include collar, lead, dog bowls, brushes a dog bed for smaller breeds, toys to play with and chew, (your favourite chair hopefully isn’t on the chew list), and pet insurance, especially if your new friend is a Crufts rather than a Scrufts dog, as breeds tend to need more veterinary attention.
Dependent on their size and breed, dogs live from around ten years to double that with good and loving care. In general, the larger the dog the shorter the lifespan with, say, Irish Wolfhounds living for maybe eight to ten years and small mongrels for very much longer. Certain breeds are known for certain inbred conditions, but an online search at sites such as valleyvets.co.uk will make sure your caring for your dog will give him a long and happy life.
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