How to take care of your Dog

Any family can benefit from welcoming a dog into their lives, but whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or just starting out, you should always put Fido’s well-being first. If you’re a dog parent, read on for some helpful advice.

And please consider adopting a dog first if you’re thinking about bringing one into your home. If you’re looking for a shelter to adopt a dog from, you may start your search by visiting our Find a Shelter page.

Feeding

Puppies between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks require four meals every day.
Puppies should be fed three times a day beginning at the age of three months.
Puppies between the ages of six months and a year should be given two meals every day.
Once your dog reaches his first birthday, he may be content with a single meal per day.
Some dogs, especially larger breeds and those with a predisposition to bloat. Perform better on a diet of two smaller meals each day.

Adult dogs can get the nutrition they need from a combination of premium dry food and liquids like broth or canned food. Add-ons, such as cottage cheese, cooked egg, or fruits and vegetables that your dogs like, shouldn’t account for more than 10% of his total daily calorie consumption. Giving your dog good and healthy dog food is the most important thing to take care of your dog.

We recommend feeding your dog premium, name-brand puppy food (large breed puppy foods for large breeds). However, please limit their access to “human food,” as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies, dental issues, fussy eating, and even obesity. Fresh water should be readily available, and dishes used for serving food and water should be cleaned on a regular basis.

Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for a dog’s health since it helps them burn calories, keeps their wits sharp, and keeps them from becoming bored. How much exercise a person needs depends on a number of factors, including breed or mix, sex, age, and general health. Similarly, dogs that get plenty of exercises are less likely to exhibit destructive boredom-related behavior. The natural needs of your pet to dig, herd, chew, retrieve, and pursue can be appeased through supervised play.

Grooming

Brushing your dog regularly can help with both of these issues. Flea and tick checks should be performed daily during warm weather. It is not necessary to bathe a dog more than a handful of times a year. Mats should be combed or trimmed out of the coat before a bath. Soap residue will attract dirt and you’ll have to rinse it off carefully. For further information, please see our Dog Grooming Tips page.

Handling

One hand beneath the dog’s chest and the other hand supporting the hind legs and rump is the best way to carry a puppy or tiny dog. Warning: picking up a puppy or tiny dog by the forelegs, tail, or back of the neck can cause serious injury. If you must lift a huge dog, do so from underneath, supporting his chest with one arm and his rear end with the other.

Housing

When it’s time for your pet to sleep, make sure to provide a comfortable, draft-free spot off the floor. An ideal setup would involve a clean blanket or cushion placed within a training crate or dog bed. Do regular laundry on the dog’s bed. During the hotter months, make sure your dog has access to shade and lots of water. And during the colder months, provide her with a warm, dry, covered shelter.

Identification and Licensing

Honor the local licensing requirements. Your dog’s collar is where you should display the license. This, together with an ID tag and a microchip or tattoo, can increase the likelihood that your lost dog will be returned to you.

Ticks and fleas

Keep your dog thoroughly checked for fleas and ticks on a daily basis from spring through fall. Locate and eliminate fleas with the help of a flea comb. Talk to your vet about these and other treatment choices. For more data, please see our Fleas and Ticks page.