Pet care - Dogs

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The right pet for you?
Dogs make very good friends, are intelligent, faithful and fun. But they take up a lot of time and energy, are quite expensive to look after and need plenty of space. A dog is not a good choice for people who are out all day.

What do dogs need?

  • Companionship - to be with other dogs or people and not to be left alone for too long.
  • A balanced diet.
  • A constant supply of fresh, clean water.
  • A bed and blanket.
  • A well-fenced garden to play and exercise in.
  • To be brushed every day, especially if they have long hair.
  • Help to clean their teeth. They also need to have their teeth checked regularly by the vet.
  • Regular walks and a lead for walking near traffic or farm animals.
  • Someone to clean up after them with a pooper-scooper.
  • Never to be left in a car in warm weather, even with the window open.
  • A collar and identity tag.
  • To be properly trained.
  • To be microchipped.
  • To be neutered.
  • To be taken to a vet if they are ill.
  • Injections to prevent serious diseases.
  • Worming and regular flea treatments.
  • To be looked after when you are on holiday.

Remember - a pet needs your time and interest for the rest of its life.

Read our Dog pet card for essential info about your pet.

Download our print-friendly care sheet for more information on how to look after your dog at the bottom of this page.

 
photo © E A Janes/RSPCA Photolibrary

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  Dogs
Know what your dog needs.
more
  Buying a puppy
Advice on buying a puppy.
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  Pedigree dog advice
Advice and tips for concerned pet owners, or people thinking of buying a pedigree dog.
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  Sign the Microchipping petition
Pupils at Thorpe House School in Norwich, Norfolk, are campaigning for microchipping of dogs to be made law.
more
  Keep dogs cool
Find out about the dangers of letting your dog overheat during the summer months and ways to keep dogs cool.
more
  RSPCA pet insurance
Pet insurance from the people who really care about pets.
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  Protect your pet from firework fear
Read our advice on how to help your pet cope with the stress caused by loud fireworks.
more
  Microchip your dog
A microchip is recommended by the RSPCA as an effective way of permanently linking pets to their owners.
more
  Neutering tips
The RSPCA strongly advises neutering at an early age.
more
  Separation-related anxiety
Top tips on how to prevent your dog from becoming distressed and destructive when left alone.
more
 
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