Owning a pet comes with a unique set of responsibilities

The whole family was involved in the decision to purchase a puppy, so the Johnsons set out to choose a suitable one. They had decided early on that they would go to the local animal shelter and adopt a pet that otherwise would not have had a loving home or family. There were so many pets to choose from, but one caught the twins’ attention and quickly became their favorite. A tiny indistinguishable breed that looked like a ball of white fur was the one the family bought and took home. On the way home, they stopped at a pet store to buy supplies for their new puppy, whom they decided to name “Frosty”. While shopping for dog collars, the girls were fascinated by the selection of dog clothing and the entire line of dog clothing available for sale to dress up their miniature pup. When they got home, they spent the whole night dressing up their little pet and taking pictures, and decided this was the best thing they had ever done.

It can be so much fun getting a new puppy that people can often overlook the many responsibilities that come with the territory. Therefore, it is important for parents to immediately emphasize that while puppies are very enjoyable, there are some non-negotiable tasks associated with caring for a pet. Some of these tasks include:

• Every puppy needs regular exercise. It is a plus if there is a fenced yard available to run around and chase a ball with a pet. The fence provides security and is convenient for teaching your pet the boundaries of his home, which he knows as his territory. It is possible to have a pet even if a person lives in an apartment without a garden, as long as regular walks are provided every day. When walking your animal, it is imperative that all community ordinances are observed, including leashing, keeping a proper distance from people and other dogs, and most importantly, cleaning up after your pup.
• Every puppy needs a routine diet and a regular feeding schedule. It’s helpful to feed a pet at about the same time each day to give it consistency and help it maintain regular bathing habits. This is especially important if the pet will be left alone for part of the day with no one available to let it out spontaneously.
• Every puppy needs to be cared for by a professional who can administer regular vaccinations and look for signs that he is developing properly as he grows. Heartworm, for example, is a serious disease that can be prevented as long as a veterinarian is consulted and proper preventative medicine is prescribed.
• Every puppy needs a gentle hand to provide them with good grooming and cleaning. Doing this not only makes your pup look attractive and clean, it also helps protect him from illness and disease. When grooming your pet, you may notice skin or toenail problems early on that could otherwise progress to a problematic state before you or a professional intervenes.