A dog is a person's very best friend, as the saying goes. Millions of dog owners know that to be true. The challenge that you must be as good a friend to your dog as he is to you. If you use the tips below, you are going to be able to know you are a great friend to your dog.

Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Since your dog can't speak, it may be difficult to know when he is having health issues. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.

Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one-shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.

If your dog has fleas, and they fall off his coat onto your floor, vacuum them up. However, remember that fleas are pretty good escape artists, so you need to throw out the bag immediately after you are finished. To be on the safe side, tape the bag completely shut before you take it out to your trash can.

Take your dog to the vet regularly. This may seem like an added expense that you don't need, but when you take your dog to the veterinarian, he can screen your dog for diseases and make sure he is in the best of health. This, of course, prevents problems down the road. It is important for you to take your dog in to see the vet on a fairly regular basis. Just like humans, dogs can develop health problems like toothaches, arthritis and weight gain. Do not wait until you think your dog is sick before taking him in to be seen.

If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. Error on the side of caution and get your dog all its shots.

It is very important for you to keep your dog's ears clean. Keeping the inside of the ears clean will help prevent infections of the ear. This is also a good time for you to inspect the ear for fleas, ticks and any other pests that could have made your dog's ear home.

Brush your dog often, even if he's got short hair. It's good for his coat and skin and can alert you of possible issues like fleas, ticks and eczema. The dog will also enjoy the attention, and brushing him regularly will keep more of his fur from flying around the house and landing on your furniture and carpets.

Lastly, if you're going on a trip or simply need to get away for the day, locate a reputable dog boarding or dog day care centre that you can trust. Use the standard review websites like Yelp and Facebook to make sure others are happy with their services before you take your precious pup in.

After reading these tips, you should now have the information you need to be a true pal to the animal who has always been true to you. Just make sure that you try each tip out to see what works best for you and your dog. That way, both of you are happy.