Would you like to save one of the precious pound puppies? Would you prefer a pure breed? Whether you want a show dog or a loving old mutt, bringing a dog into your life will supply you with hours of love. That said, it comes with a great deal of responsibility too, so read this article in full to learn what lies ahead.

You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.

Be sure your dog is neutered or spayed. Research suggests that this small thing can give extended life to your dog by reducing cancer risk. Dogs who have been neutered or spayed are also …