Dogs are man's best friends. In turn, they rely on us to take care of them and to keep them healthy. Owning a dog is a big responsibility. They cannot take care of themselves and we must nurture them similarly as we would a baby. By following daily and weekly procedures, we can make this task less daunting and eliminate serious problems before they arise, as well as, preventing complications.

There are certain things we need to do on a daily basis to provide appropriate care for our animal friends. Just a few minutes out of your day would be enough to satisfy these duties and will give you and your dog a chance to establish a bond. Feeding, of course, is one of them. A dog should be fed twice a day and also should be provided with plenty of drinking water.

In addition, your dog requires playtime with you. This is very important because dogs are by nature social animals that need companionship. So, get down on the floor and let your dog know he is special to you. You will have a fun experience, and in turn, the dog will show his appreciation through his love, loyalty and eagerness to please you. This playtime will possibly eliminate behavior problems that result from enormous amounts of alone time for dogs. A daily, or twice daily, walk will satisfy your dog's exercise needs and get him some fresh air. Exerting energy is important and will result in a calmer dog. On your walk, he will see other animals and people and this will also satisfy his socialization needs.

Another important daily task would be to examine your dog. This will allow you the opportunity to stumble upon problems before they get serious. Get to know your pet by running your hands over his body. Start with his head and ears, down the front of his body, down his back and sides of his body, and then, his legs chest and abdomen. By getting to know the feel of your pet, you will be able to spot abnormalities early on. This is also a good time to look for skin problems, aches, pains, eye problems, ear infections or tooth and gum problems.

Dental care is also important in dogs. Ideally this should be done on a daily basis, but if you can fit it in twice a week that would also suffice. Food particles on a dog's teeth will combine with bacteria to form plaque, which if not removed will turn into tartar. This can cause tooth and gum problems. By using a dog toothpaste and soft bristled toothbrush and concentrating on the two upper canine teeth or fangs and two upper fourth premolars or the large teeth in the back of the mouth, you can keep your dog's teeth healthy, problem free, and his breath fresher smelling.

Remember also that a longhaired dog will do well with a daily brushing. Shorthaired dogs also need brushing. This will spread the natural oils from their skin, prevent tangles and matted hair, remove loose and dead hair and keep him looking well.

On a weekly basis, you should check your dog's ears for possible infections and clean them, trim his nails, and inspect and clean his eyes.

Dogs need our loving care and attention to keep healthy and clean. We are responsible for this. Although it may seem like an endless chore, if we combine it with some playtime and fun, both you and your dog will enjoy this time together. You will develop a bond that will last a lifetime and your dog will be your loyal companion. In the end, you will see that you will get as much out of these care procedures as your dog does.