DOZER PANNELL

FOOD: Since young puppies need lots of food to grow up healthy, you should feed them several times each day.  For adult dogs, many people feed them once a day, but experts believe that dividing the one meal into two meals per day will prevent your dog from getting too full and will make him feel better.  Besides, he'd enjoy having two meals a day instead of one.  Dog food contains ingredients needed by dogs.  Don't feed your dog people food.  Some people food can harm your pet.  For instance, chocolate, in small quantities, can make your dog sick; in large quantities it can make your dog dead.  Also, while your dog may want to chew on leftover chicken bones, these bones often break up into splinters that can cause serious harm to your dog.  Instead, give your dog a rawhide chew bone.  He'll love the bone; he'll love you; and, he is less likely to injure himself.

WATER: You should see to it that your dog has access to clean water at all times.  He needs water to quench his thirst and to help him cool off.  So, the water should be both clean and cool.  On cold winter days, water kept outside may freeze; on hot summer days, water will get warm.  The warmer it gets, the less it will cool him off.  So, to keep his water cool, change the water often and keep the water bowl in the shade.

SHELTER: Your pet needs shelter to protect him from harsh weather (heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.).  If your dog lives outside, a doghouse or access to the garage would help keep him healthy and happy.  His shelter should be a safe place.   Make sure that you puppy-proof his space by removing anything that can cause him harm.  Dogs like to chew.  If given the opportunity, a dog may chew a container containing harmful chemicals, or he may chew a piece of wood and ingest splinters.  Make the shelter a safe place for your friend.

EXERCISE: To ensure that your dog is healthy and happy, regular exercise is needed.  Going for long walks, chasing a tennis ball, or simply playing vigorously will help keep your dog healthy.  His heart, muscles, and lungs will benefit from the activity.  And, since dogs can get bored just like people, exercise can make them happy.

GROOMING: Grooming involves four activities: bathing, brushing fur, brushing teeth, and cliping nails.  Regular attention to grooming will help keep your pet healthy and happy.  Give him a bath once a week and brush his fur once a day.  If his nails get too long, they may interfere with his ability to walk.  Use a pair of toenail clippers made especially for dogs to clip his nails, making sure that you don't clip them too short.  To alleviate any fears your dog may have, talk to him while you clip his nails.  Giving your dog a rawhide bone to chew on not only makes him happy, but it helps clean his teeth.  But, more dental care is needed.  You should brush your dog's teeth weekly, especially the side teeth, using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dogs.

HEALTH CARE: Soon after you get your new puppy; take him to the vet for a checkup and vaccinations.  The checkup will give the doctor the opportunity to see if your pet needs any special care; the vaccinations will protect your puppy from illnesses.  Your vet will tell you when to return for additional vaccinations and/or his rabies shot.  Once a year, thereafter, you should return to the vet so your dog can get his annual checkup.  Anytime your pet appears to be ill, behaves differently than normal, or loses his appetite, your friend is trying to tell you something.  Seek help from the vet.

FRIENDSHIP: Perhaps, the most important thing your dog needs is your friendship.  Your dog will greatly appreciate your time and attention.  Spend time with him.  Sit with him.  Pet him.  Talk to him.  Dogs, like people, gets lonely when left alone.  Your buddy will never forget the time you spend with him.