Have you recently received a dog as a holiday or birthday present? Is this the first time that you've had a pet of your own? Dogs can make a great addition to your household, becoming a companion and a part of your family. As a member of your family, it's important to make sure that your new canine companion is kept happy, healthy, and comfortable. If you've never had a dog before, this can sometimes seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, many dogs are relatively easy to care for and their needs are fairly basic. If you haven't already, here are some things that you should do for your dog:

Vet checkup: While many people think of veterinarians as people who only see your dog when your dog is sick, the truth is that visiting a vet is an important part of dog care. As with humans, all dogs should have a yearly checkup in order to look for any potential health issues. He or she should also be spayed or neutered as soon as possible and be vaccinated on a regular basis. All of these things can help keep your furry friend healthy and energetic for as long as possible.

Obedience training: You can certainly attempt to do obedience training on your own, but many dogs do benefit from being enrolled in obedience classes. Although some people view obedience training as being "harsh" or "mean" for a dog, a professional trainer will know how to teach a dog to obey without causing trauma. Without this essential part of dog care, your canine companion may never learn to fully obey you when he or she hears you give a command. A lack of obedience could then result in serious injury if your dog decides to run out into traffic. 

Remove dangerous temptations: If your dog is still a puppy or likes to chew on things, it's vital that you figure out which things are most dangerous in your home and either get rid of them or put them out of reach. Good dog care means hiding power cords and eliminating poisonous house plants. Failing to do these things could result in a midnight trip to your local emergency vet after your dog gets into or chews on something that he or she shouldn't. Do not assume that just because your dog is older that he or she is safe; some dogs never get out of the habit of chewing on or eating anything that they think is interesting. 

For more information, contact a business such as Murrells Inlet Veterinary Hospital.