If you keep a dog he can guard your property and also be a faithful friend. He can only serve you if he is properly looked after and is healthy, strong and happy.

• You must feed him good food to make him strong.
  Try to give him some meat, which is his natural food. If this costs too much, buy him dog food such as EPOL. DO NOT feed him only mealie-meal. This will make him fat but it will not make him healthy and strong.
  
  
• You must make sure that your dog has lots of clean water all the time.
  It must be put in a cool place. Give your dog a proper dish or bowl of his own, which cannot be knocked over. You can put a heavy stone in a bucket for a big dog, or dig a little hole in the ground to hold the dish for a small dog, to make sure that it cannot be knocked over. DO NOT use an old tin or tyre for water, because it will not stay clean in these.
  
  
• You must look after your dog if he is sick.
  Take him to an animal doctor (Veterinarian). You must make sure that he does not get fleas or ticks. You can wash him in dog dip or take him to the SPCA, where they will dip him for you. DO NOT use Jeyes Fluid to get rid of fleas and ticks. DO NOT cut him or put paraffin or motor oil on him. These are very bad and could cause him to die.
  
  
• Remember to have your dog injected against distemper and parvo virus (Cat Flu).
  These two illnesses are very serious and he could die from them if he does not get the injection.
  Your dog must get a new injection every year.
  
  
• You must be kind to your dog.
  If you are good to him he will always protect and love you. He can also feel pain like you, so please do not kick him or beat him or throw stones at him or burn him.
  If you have a bitch (female dog), contact the SPCA or animal doctor about having her spayed - so that she cannot have any puppies. If you do not want your dog or puppies any more, take them to the SPCA, who will take them from you. Do not throw them away or try to kill them. This is very cruel.
  
  Source: SPCA National Council Of South Africa