This is a sponsored post on behalf of Responsival. All thoughts are my own.

Pet ownership is no easy thing. Owning pets comes with a slew of responsibilities, and waves of financial obligations. It can seem like it's all fun and games to have a cat or dog, but caring for a pet can mirror caring for a child, and shouldn't be taken lightly. That said, having a furry friend to love and call your own can be a wonderful thing. Pets are members of our families, and giving them the very best (from love and care to everyday products) should be high priority for any pet owner. Let's dive right in and look at Five Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe.

Keep Your Pup Healthy

One of the best ways to care for your dog is to keep vaccines updated. Not only is this for your dog's own health and safety, it's also for your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of anyone who may encounter your pet. This will protect your pet from diseases, and will protect other animals, as well. You can't board your pet without having this updated, so it's best to stay on top of it. Dental care is an important part of your dog's healthcare routine. Don't overlook things like routine teeth cleanings, etc. Failure to do so can lead to serious health problems for your pet. Check out these dental care tips for dogs.

Protect Your Dog from Other Animals

Having 'pet' neighbors can be a lot of fun, but can also be dangerous. Dogs are social animals and love to play with other dogs, so if your dog is well trained and isn't aggressive, it's a great idea to take them for pup playdates with trusted friends, or to a dog park to get some energy out. Take precautions to protect them from dog fights. No one wants to see their pet injured, or to have their pet unexpectedly injure another animal or human. Keep your dog on a leash, and away from aggressive looking dogs.

Pay Attention to What You're Feeding Them

Just like people, animals can have food allergies and aversions. Unfortunately, pet owners usually find this out the hard way. Talk to your vet about your dog's diet, and what you should avoid feeding your pet. There are a lot of foods that are toxic to dogs, so be aware of those and avoid them at all costs. Keep a list of dog safety tips handy so you can refer to it as needed.

Fence Your Yard

Allowing your dog time outside is so important, but doing it safely is even more so! Privacy fences not only offer your property and family protection and privacy, but they will help to keep your dog safe from other animals, people, and vehicles. A privacy fence will protect our dog from neighbor pets, which can be a good thing if a neighbor's dog barks a lot or is aggressive. Biting can happen through chainlink fences, and split rail fences do little to keep animals in and predators out.

Give Your Dof Love and Attention

Just like people, dogs crave attention. Offer up cuddles, belly rubs, and playtime as often as you can. Get outside and stay active together. Make sure to clean up your dog's messes, and keep them properly hydrated for safe and healthy playtime. Never leave your dog outside during bad weather or extreme temperatures.

Are you a dog owner? What are some of your best tips for keeping your pet healthy and safe? Join the conversation on MBP's social media channels! We love hearing from you!