General Dog Care and Lifestyle

A dog can be an excellent addition to any home. Still, if you’re an experienced pet parent or a first-time adopter, you must keep your canine companion’s wellbeing and happiness a top priority. Below are some valuable tips for many dog parents.

And remember: If you’re thinking about bringing home a new puppy, please create adoption your first choice. Then, we invite you to browse our directory of adoptable dogs in your area or see our Find a Shelter page to start your search.

Feeding

• hens eight to 12 weeks old need four meals a day.
• Feed puppies three to six months old three meals a day.
• Feed puppies six months to one year, two meals a day.
• When your dog reaches his first birthday, one meal per day is usually enough.
• For several dogs, including larger canines or people prone to bloat, it’s better to feed two smaller meals.
• Premium-quality dry food gives a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be combined with water, broth or canned meals. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg or fruits and veggies, but these additions should not complete more than ten percent of the everyday food intake.

Puppies should be fed with high-quality, brand-name puppy food (large breed puppy foods for large breeds). However, please limit” people’s food” because it could lead to vitamin and nutrient imbalances, teeth and bone problems and may cause relatively high-risk eating habits and obesity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times and be sure to wash water and food dishes frequently.

Exercise

Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and remain healthy. Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, gender, age and level of health. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can result in destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will fulfill a lot of your pet’s instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, chase and retrieve. This can improve dog gut health.

Grooming

Help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding with frequent brushing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Most dogs do not need to be bathed more than a few times per year. Before bathing, comb or cut out all mats from the coat. Carefully rinse all soap out of the skin, or the dirt will stick to soap residue. Please see our Dog Grooming Tips site for more information.

Handling

To carry a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the dog’s torso, with your forearm or another hand behind the hind legs and rump. Never try to lift or grab your puppy or small dog by the forelegs, tail or rear of the throat. Instead, should you need to raise a massive dog, lift it out of the underside, supporting its chest with one arm and its rear end with the other.

Home

Your pet needs a warm, quiet place to rest, away from all drafts and off the floor. A training crate or dog mattress is ideal, with a clean blanket or pillow positioned inside. Wash your dog’s bedding regularly. If your dog is spending a lot of time outdoors, ensure she’s access to shade and lots of cool water in hot weather and a hot, warm, covered shelter when it is chilly.

Accreditation and Identification

Follow your community’s regulations. Make sure you join the license to your puppy’s collar. Together with an ID label and implanted microchip or tattoo, you can help secure your pet’s return if she becomes lost.

Daily inspections of your dog for ticks and fleas during the warm seasons are essential. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are several new procedures for tick and flea management. Speak to your veterinarian about these and other choices. Visit our Fleas and Ticks webpage for more information.

Medicines and Poisons

Never give your pet medication that a veterinarian hasn’t prescribed.

Vaccinations

Your dog may benefit from receiving a range of vaccinations. Please see our Pet Vaccinations site to learn more.

Dog Supply Checklist

• Premium-quality pet food and treats
• Food dish
• Water bowl
• Toys, toys and more toys, including safe play toys
• Brush & comb for grooming, such as flea repellent
• Collar with permit and ID label
• Leash
• Carrier (for smaller dogs)
• Training crate
• Dog bed or box with warm blanket or towel
• Dog toothbrush
• The Scoop on Poop
• Keep your dog on a leash when you are outside if you are not in a secured, fenced-in location. If your dog defecates to a neighbor’s yard, sidewalk, or other public places, please clean it up.