If you care for a dog, you know that it can be a lot of hard but rewarding work. The most important thing about that work is that you are taking care of another living being, one that is unconditionally loving and loyal to you. That is the best reason of all to ensure you do your very best when taking care of your furry friend.

With that in mind, we asked some dog boarding NJ experts for their advice on dog care essentials you need to know. Here is what they told us:

Don’t Forget The Dog Tags – It is vital that your dog always wear a collar with an ID tag containing your name, address and telephone number. Even the most careful owner and obedient dog can have an accident or become separated. That collar can be an essential part of making sure your furry friend is returned to you safely.

Off Property, On Leash – Four basic words no dog owner should ever forget. According to our dog boarding NJ experts, one of the most common causes of accidents that harm dogs is that the owner allowed their dog to be off leash while off their property. Your dog may be well behaved and you may have trained them well, but it only takes a split second of investigating something they see or smell to put them in the path of a car, another dog, poisonous plants, and more.

Spay Or Neuter Your Dog – Unless you plan to breed, this simple procedure can help your dog live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems. In many ways, you’ll be giving them (and yourself) a gift that will last their entire life.

Keep Them Exercised – As any dog boarding NJ expert and they will tell you that an active dog is a happy, healthy dog. Letting your dog out in the backyard is fine, but that is only the start. It’s important to play with them, get them running and playing, and generally keep them active. This not only keeps them social and loyal, it keeps them healthy, too.

Keep That Water Fresh – It’s important to not only keep a bowl of water out for your dog, but to change the water frequently. Fresh water is important for their health!

Vaccinate For Rabies – Yes, for most people rabies will never be an issue for them, but as with all things in life, you can never be sure. All it takes is an infected stray animal getting into your yard or to encounter one while on a walk for there to be a problem. Be safe, not sorry!

All of these tips are just examples good, basic, common sense advice on how to care for your dog – but given how busy and hectic life can be, sometimes a reminder when it comes to basic common sense is exactly what we need.

And most of all, sometimes it’s exactly what your beloved pet needs!