Before bringing a dog home, it must be understood that there is a responsibility of somebody who owns a dog to take care of it which will include providing food, shelter, health care, protection and spending time with the dog.

Here are some basic care that you should consider before bringing a dog home:

1. Shelter.

What kind of home are you going to provide for your dog? The answer to this question most of the time depends on what kind of dog you have. Some dog will stay most of their time outdoors while others in the house.

If you dog will spend most of the time in the open, then some kind of dog house or kennel will be needed. Fences may also be very important to keep the dog safely in the area.

While for those who stay in the house, there are many kind of dog beds and indoor kennels that can suit your dog. Remember that the size of dog bed or basket for a puppy might be too small for a bigger dog

Find out which one is the most right for the type of dogs you are bringing home

2. Health Care

A new dog or puppy should be taken to a veterinary for assessment of their health and they might need immunization against sicknesses. It is also of great significant to see the vets before bringing your dog home as you can get a proper information on good diet, exercise and grooming for your dog.

Your dog should be taken for a scheduled check up each year, some vet might recommend your dog to be spayed for female dog or neutered for a male dog. A healthier dog will definitely be a better friend for you.

Getting a Puppy: A Step by Step Guide By Don Krnel

So you have decided you want a puppy? You have done all your homework to decide the breed you want and you know you have the finances, time and energy to take care of it. Next step is to find a breeder and purchase a puppy.

Be warned...purchasing a puppy from a breeder can be fraught with risks. As in any business there are those breeders who are genuine, who care for their animals and whose reputation is important to them and others, often known as backyard breeders, who are only interested in making a fast buck. It is now up to you to find a honest and reliable breeder.

Step 1 - Research
Do some research before contacting any breeders. Here are some useful resources: 1. Contact the kennel club of the breeds you are interested in and request a list of their breeders. 2. Search on the internet for breeding kennels 3. Ask friends who have dogs of that breed where they purchased them from and if they are happy with their chosen dog. 4. Shows are another place where you can meet breeders and see their animals, both in a show environment and in kennels before and after the show. Just remember this is a busy time for the breeder and they may not have a lot of time to chat. Get their details, observe their animals and contact them at a less busy time.

Discover Dog Ear Infection Symptoms And Causes
by Rebecca Prescott

Brian Kilcommons relates a terrible story about a beautiful golden retriever dog who was usually very gentle and kind with children. It's owners had a girl aged 3 1/2, and they normally got along very well. Then one day the little girl grabbed the dog's ear. It snarled and bit her face. She needed 47 stitches in her face, and they put the dog down. The parents had the dog euthanized without bothering to find out what had caused this sudden change in their dog's behaviour. The vet, however, did an autopsy, and found our that this dog was suffering not one but two severe ear infections that were incredibly painful.

Ear infections usually start out mild, and in the outer ear. This dog's health was effectively neglected by it's owners. And when their toddler grabbed the infected ear, the dog, already in constant pain anyway, reacted out of instinct. By not taking the time to properly care for their pet, these owners were in fact responsible for what happened to their child. And then blamed the dog. And probably out of ignorance or anger, or both, they had it killed. Their emotional response to what happened to their child as a result of their own neglect aside, I find this absolutely reprehensible. And the tragedy that happened to their dog when they chose to kill it instead of investigating further, as well as their child, was totally avoidable.

5 Natural Ways To Treat Canine Anemia by gene sower

Anemia can be caused by excessive loss of red blood cells or by inadequate production.

Nutritional iron-deficiency anemia, common in people, is uncommon in dogs with today's commercially balanced dog foods. Chronic iron deficiency, as described by the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," is a clear indication that an insidious loss of blood is taking place.

Blood loss is a condition that is commonly caused by wounds or parasites such as worms and fleas. Symptoms of anemia in dogs include white or pale gums, weakness, and a fast pulse. Sometimes this condition indicates a more serious illness such as toxicity that results from a drug exposure. However, the more simple and common cause of anemia which is blood loss can be easily treated with a view toward promoting the growth of new red blood cells.