A dog is no light responsibility. They are not just a pet but part of the family and hence need to be taken care of very well. You need to provide for its needs, both physical and emotional such as providing nutritious food, clean drinking water, shelter, a safe living environment and active lifestyle. Taking care of a dog is no less than caring for a baby. You will nourish it and love it and see it grow into someone very dear to your heart. If you are planning to get one, you need to know what you are getting into so here are the steps to follow to take good care of him.Caring for its healthNot any vet can tend to all breeds. Make sure you go to a qualified one that has veterinary training courses and experience with the breed of your dog. A good way to choose a vet is to see if he or she answers your questions promptly and knowledgeably and to see how they interact with your pet. Regular checkups are vital to ensure he is doing well. Have him vaccinated as per the common diseases in your area. Nowadays, many dog owners insert ID chips to track the whereabouts of a dog whenever lost. It is also important to treat regularly with basic worming against roundworm. Grooming itBrush your dog to keep the coat knot free and reduced shedding.

Use dog shampoo to give it a bath and keep the coat clean so that no skin infections occur. They will need to be taken to a groomer to trim their nails and coat. As with veterinarian courses, even groomers need to have undergone a course and received proper training so pay attention to it.Feeding a dogDogs too need to have a balanced and healthy diet so you need to provide him with food that will help him grow. Each breed will have different foods that will work for them so you can ask your vet about it. In general dogs are omnivores but the ratio between meat and vegetables will differ from breed to breed. Have a set schedule for meals. Do not keep feeding him all day long since they can grow obese which will affect their health. Usually dogs are fed twice a day. They need to go to the bathroom in 20-30 minutes after a meal so better feed him while you are present in the house, so that you can take him outside. Avoid giving him too many treats and completely avoid giving him chocolate, avocado, bread dough, raisins, grapes. However, keep his water bowl filled at all times.