Every day, thousands of cute, loyal dogs are surrendered to our nation's shelters - not because they're bad, but because their owners just couldn't take care of them anymore. You could give a dog another shot at finding happiness and find your true companion by adopting. Get the love and devotion that only comes from man's best friend.

Dog Care Tips from American Humane and

The Allen Park Animal Shelter

Identification - Tagging and micro chipping your dog are essential to helping him find his way home if he is lost. The tag should indicate your dog's name, as well as your name, address, home phone number and cell phone number. Microchips are miniature electronic capsules embedded under the pet's skin. They are safe and effective and provide excellent backup identification in case your pet's collar and tags are lost.

Spay/Neuter - It is estimated that approximately 3.7 million animals will be euthanized at shelters each year because there are just not enough homes for them. Having your pet spayed or neutered ensures that you will not add to this tremendous burden. Spaying or neutering will also eliminate the risk of certain diseases and cancers of the reproductive organs as well as reduce the risk of behavior problems such as aggression and territorial marking. A dog that is spayed or neutered will live a happier, healthier and longer life.

Vaccinations - To protect your pet from getting a serious disease, keep his vaccinations up-to-date. This is important even if your dog mostly stays inside or at home.

Feeding - Make sure your dog eats high-quality food every day and has fresh water available at all times.

Training and Behavior - Most behavior problems, like constant barking or getting into the trash, can be solved with a little training. Don't give up - contact an animal trainer or behavior consultant for help.

Exercise - Spend quality time with your pet every day. Playing with an walking your dog will allow you both to bond. It will also relieve your dog's boredom, which can lead to behavior problems such as digging and barking.

Grooming - Pets need regular brushing, bathing and dental care, and animals with long fur, like poodles, require frequent trips to the groomer.

Dog-Proofing Your Home -

• Use childproof latches on your cabinets
• Place medications, cosmetics, cleaners, chemicals and detergents on high shelves.
• Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet.
• Keep food out of reach (even if the food isn't harmful, the wrapper could be).
• Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent your dog from drinking harmful cleaning chemicals.
• Place electrical and phone wires out of reach.
• Put away children's toys and games.
• Move house plants out of reach - they may be fatal if ingested.
• Clean antifreeze from the garage floor and driveway - one taste can be lethal.
• Keep all sharp objects and tools out of reach.

Open Truck Beds - Don't let your dog ride in an open truck bed. An estimated 100,000 dogs die each year by being bumped from truck beds onto the road and into traffic. Also, do not leash your pet inside a truck bed. Many dogs have been strangled when bumped over the sides of trucks and left helplessly dangling. If your dog must ride in the back of the truck, put him in a crate secured to the truck bed.

Unattended Pets in Your Vehicle - Dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke than humans. Temperatures inside a parked car can quickly reach levels that are lethal to your dog, even when the outdoor temperature is moderate. With an outdoor temperature of 72 degrees, the temperature in a parked car can reach 102 degrees in just 30 minutes.