General Dog Care Tips

May 1

A dog can be a wonderful addition to any home, but whether you're an experienced pet parent or a first-time adopter, it's important to keep your canine companion's health and happiness a top priority. Below are some useful tips for all dog parents.

And remember: If you're considering bringing home a new dog, please make adoption your first option rather than buying directly from a breeder.

Feeding:

Puppies eight to 12 weeks old need four meals a day.

Puppies three to six months old need three meals a day.
Puppies six months to one year need two meals a day.
When your dog reaches his first birthday, one meal a day is usually enough.
For some dogs, including larger canines or those prone to bloat, it's better to feed two smaller meals.

Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be mixed with water, broth, or canned food. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg, or fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than ten percent of his daily food intake.

Puppies should be fed high-quality, brand-name puppy food (large breed puppy foods for large breeds). Please limit "people food," however, because it can result in vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems, and may cause very picky eating habits and obesity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and be sure to wash food and water dishes frequently.

Exercise:

Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and stay healthy. Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, sex, age, and level of health. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet's instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve, and chase.

Keep your dog on a leash when you are outside unless you are in a secured, fenced-in area. If your dog defecates on a neighbor's lawn, the sidewalk, or any other public place, please clean it up.

Grooming:

Help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding with frequent brushing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Most dogs don't need to be bathed more than a few times a year. Before bathing, comb or cut out all mats from the coat. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to the soap residue.

Handling:

To carry a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the dog's chest, with either your forearm or other hand supporting the hind legs and rump. Never attempt to lift or grab your puppy or small dog by the forelegs, tail, or back of the neck. If you do have to lift a large dog, lift from the underside, supporting his chest with one arm and his rear end with the other.

Housing:

Your pet needs a warm, quiet place to rest, away from all drafts and off the floor. A training crate or dog bed is ideal, with a clean blanket or pillow placed inside. Wash the dog's bedding often. If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure she has access to shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it's cold.

Licensing and Identification:

Research and follow your community’s licensing regulations. Be sure to attach the license to your dog’s collar. This, along with an ID tag and implanted microchip or tattoo, can help secure your dog’s return should he or she become lost.

Health:

Daily inspections of your dog for fleas and ticks during the warm seasons are important. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are several new methods of flea and tick control. Speak to your veterinarian about these and other options, as well as any recommended vaccinations they may need.

Never give your dog medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426- 4435.

Female dogs should be spayed, and male dogs neutered by six months of age.

Dog Supply Checklist:

Premium-quality dog food and treats

Food dish
Water bowl
Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys
Brush & comb for grooming, including flea comb
Collar with license and ID tag
Leash
Carrier (for smaller dogs)
Training/sleeping crate (for bigger dogs)
Dog bed or box with warm blanket or towel
Dog toothbrush

For more information on the best care tips for your furry BFF, check out our friends over at Wag Enabled! They are the true experts in the canine field!