How to Take Care of My Dogs

 

The Complete Guide to Dog Care

It’s important that your pup gets everything they need to be happy and healthy. If you’re a new pet parent or you’re about to adopt a new furry friend, you may be wondering, “How do I take care of a dog?” or “What do dogs need?” 

Both are great questions—but where do you start?

First, understand that taking care of a dog is more than just making sure their bowl is full or that they’re walked. You’ll want to create a checklist of everything your furry friend needs in lifeLet's look at all there is to know about taking care of a dog, and how you can be a reliable loving, and responsible pet parent.

10 Effective Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Healthy dogs are happy dogs. Keep your best four-legged friends in top shape by following these 10 tips.

Wellness visits.
Annual visits to your veterinarian are an important part of making sure your dog is healthy.Just as it’s important for humans to visit the doctor for an annual physical, taking your dog for an annual

trip to the vet will allow your vet to get to know your dog and allows you the opportunity to discuss any changes in health.

Monthly preventatives.

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. Fleas and ticks carry zoonotic diseases – diseases that can infect both us and our dogs.

Talk to your veterinarian about which monthly preventatives are necessary in your region to keep your dog safe.

Regular exercise.

Dogs need daily activity for both their physical and mental health, and that exercise doesn’t require high-endurance jogs or 10-mile hikes. It can be something as simple as a 15-to-20-minute walk per day or a game of fetch to build strength and flexibility. 

It’s also been proven that a well-exercised dog is a better-behaved dog.

Vaccinations.

Keep your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations and boosters. Speak with your veterinarian about vaccinations like Leptospirosis which is not a core vaccine, but recommended in some geographical areas.

Just like monthly preventatives, keeping your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations will help prevent diseases and the spread of disease.

Socialize.

Consider having your dog take the Canine Good Citizen test (CGC) where dogs are rewarded for having good manners at home and in the community.

Monitor and encourage your dog to have friendly interaction / play with other dogs at a dog park or with friends who also have dogs.

Healthy diet: 

Buy safe, health-promoting dog food, prepare homemade dog food meals for your pet yourself, or use a combination of both. Pure proteins, such as beef, chicken, and fish, are great for building muscle in dogs.

Healthy fats for dogs, such as coconut oil and fish oil, are a good addition to a dog’s diet as well, with the bonus that they promote hydrated skin and a healthy coat. Dark, leafy greens are another wonderful resource as a dog's body crave vitamins as much as it craves protein and fat from meat.

Brush those teeth.

Often overlooked, dental and gum health is just as important for our dogs as it is for humans.

Poor oral hygiene in dogs can lead to other health problems. Use a toothpaste specially designed for dogs and consider a professional cleaning if necessary.

Pet-Proof your house.

Become familiar with potential toxins inside and outside your home – plants, medications, cleaning supplies, foods, etc.

Be aware of items your dog might like to chew on and potentially ingest.

Dogs are curious, and just like toddlers, sometimes they get into things they aren’t supposed to.

Set boundaries and make sure hazards are out of reach.

Keep the numbers to the Pet Poison Hotline and an emergency veterinarian handy.

Identification.

Be sure your dog is microchipped or wears tags in case she is separated from you.

Microchipping is the best way to ensure your dog can be identified and returned to you.

 Essential Vitamins, Nutrients and Supplements: 

Omega-3 fatty acids and a range of antioxidants can be effective in keeping your dog’s muscles strong.

While EPA/DHA essential fatty acids are saturated in fish, they also come in dog-friendly pills or fish oil bottles.

It's best to feed them antioxidants through food, either your dog's kibble or natural veggies and fruits.

For example, blueberries and raspberries are full of antioxidants and are safe, healthy and delicious for dogs.

General Dog Care

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.

We encourage you to browse our directory of adoptable dogs in your area or visit our Find a Shelter page to start your search.

Feeding

• Puppies 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 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 a 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.

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 soap residue. Please visit our Dog Grooming Tips page for more information.

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

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 she become lost.

Fleas and Ticks

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.

Visit our Fleas and Ticks page for more information.

Spaying and Neutering

Female dogs should be spayed and male dogs neutered by six months of age. Please visit our Spay/Neuter Your Pet page to learn more.

Vaccinations

Your dog may benefit from receiving a number of vaccinations. Please visit our Pet Vaccinations page to learn more.

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 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, 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.

Winter Care Tips

Moisturize your dog’s paws

Cold weather can cause your dog’s paws to crack due to the dry air.

Try moisturizing your dog’s paws with pad moisturizer products topically to relieve the discomfort especially if they seem raw or painful after your pup has been outside.

Limit their time outside

Dogs are susceptible to getting frostbite, especially in their paws, ears, and tails.

Even dogs with thick fur coats should not be left outside for long periods of time in chilly weather. When you start to feel chilled, take your dog inside with you because they are probably feeling cold as well.

Beware of ice and winter salt

Both ice and winter salt on sidewalks can cause your dog’s paw pads to develop cracks or burns.

Wipe your dog’s paws off after any venture outside and watch to make sure they don’t try to eat salt off the ground or lick it off their paws.

If this is causing your dog consistent discomfort, consider investing in a pair of dog booties to protect the sensitive skin on their feet.

They also make pet safe salt for drive and walkways that you can use around your home.

Pet safe salt is non-toxic to pets feet and not harmful if they accidentally eat any of the salt.

Consider getting your dog a sweater

Many dogs have thick coats to keep them warm outside even in the coldest months, but not all of our pups have enough fur to brave the cold. Any dog can get hypothermia, and depending on where you live, and your dog’s breed, your dog may benefit from a coat or sweater during the winter.

Some early signs of hypothermia that would indicate your dog might benefit from an extra layer of insolation include shivering, rapid breathing,

ears and feet being cold to the touch, increased urination, and hair standing on end. Many dogs love winter coats or sweaters; they’ll look cute and have even more

Summer Care Tips

Keep your dog cool

Dogs don’t sweat like us. Instead of sweating all over their body as humans do,

they sweat through their paw pads and rely on panting to release heat.

Giving your dogs access to shade and a way to cool down like a kiddie pool filled with water or ice as a great way to allow your dogs to safely enjoy the outdoors in warmer months.

Monitor them closely during hot weather and bring them inside if they are panting excessively to prevent heat stroke, stress, and dehydration. .

Provide them with a constant water source

Dehydration is incredibly dangerous to dogs and can happen quickly.

Make sure your dog has easy access to clean, fresh water throughout the day both indoors and outdoors.

Take note if they are panting excessively, lose interest in eating, or have a dry nose.

Be sure to reach out to your vet if you notice these or any other unusual behavior from your dog during heat waves.

Avoid Toxic Algae

Algae, if ingested, can be harmful and in some cases fatal for dogs.

It’s tempting to take your dog to the pond or lake during the hot summertime,

but always check with your local Parks and Recreation department for any environmental warnings about toxic algae,

water treatments, or harmful pesticides in and around the water first.

Watch their feet

Dog’s paw pads are sensitive to heat and can be burned when walking on hot surfaces.

If you can’t comfortably place your bare hand or foot on the hot ground outside, the surface is too hot for your dog to walk on. In these cases, opt for grass, dirt, or covered paths when taking your dog out.

Never leave your dog in the car

The inside temperature of a car can quickly become hazardous or even fatal to your dog.

Never leave them unsupervised in your car, even with the windows cracked, as they can easily succumb to heatstroke.

Even when the temperature is only 70 degrees outside your car will be over 100 degrees in 20 minutes.

Cars can reach fatal temperatures in minutes in the summer.

Give your puppy a safe space

Homes can be hectic. There are people coming and going, children playing, dishwashers running,

music playing… You might think your puppy is unaffected by all the chaos,

but they need a quiet place to retreat from all the sensory stimuli.

Give them a safe haven — like a kennel, crate, or bed — where they can go when they need to be alone and rest.

It might feel like “punishment” at first, but soon they’ll learn to love their safe spot.

This helps teach your puppy how to be independent and prevent attachment.

It might be hard, but avoid suffocating your pup with too much attention and give them

space to become a confident canine without you constantly by their side.

Training

Applaud your pet when they successfully relieve themselves outside

Potty training : can be difficult, especially with stubborn dog breeds. Applaud and cheer your dog on when they go outside and do their business every

time and they’ll eagerly continue this behavior until it becomes a habit.

For dogs who are learning to be house-trained, bring treats outside with you and immediately reward your dog after they finish peeing or pooping somewhere you approve of.

If you do this every time, and take your puppy out frequently enough (including after every meal, after every drink of water,

and at least every 4-6 hours) house breaking will be significantly easier.

Make training a game

Switch up the treats, rewards, and praise. If they view training as a game, rather than something they are scolded during, they will have more fun and you’ll see better results.

You may also find that your dog responds better to different types of rewards through this process. When training, always reward positive behavior with treats, a clicker,

pets, and/or verbal praise and simply ignore bad behavior.

They will learn if they want a reward they must do what you’ve asked of them.

Consistent training is key

Decide what the “house rules” for your dog are and stick with them! Will your dog be allowed on furniture, in all parts of the house, or around the family during dinnertime?

Stick with the same training commands and rules while training your dog to prevent confusion.

Make sure all members of your family are on the same page and agree to consistently abide by the rules to avoid confusing your pup or perpetuating bad behavior.

Immediately correct bad behavior

Dogs have a short memory and if you scold them for doing something wrong five minutes later, they will not correlate the scolding with the

bad behavior. Reprimand them only if you catch them in the act.

On the other hand, always give your dog positive feedback and rewards right away for good behavior to encourage the repetition of this behavior.

Key Takeaways

• Taking care of a puppy is a big and often expensive responsibility.

• The most important thing you need to know about taking care of a puppy is that they are fed, socialized, loved, and has access to health care.

• Pet insurance can help guarantee your puppy will alwayshave accesss to the gold-standard care they deserve by covering the cost of veterinary care if they get injured or fall ill.

FAQs on Puppy Care

How to take care of a puppy at night

When it comes to taking care of your puppy during the night, there are several rules we’d recommend sticking to:

• Stick to a regular bedtime routine.

• Decide where your puppy will sleep and stick to it.

• Keep bedtime as calm as possible and give your puppy praise when they settle where you want them to.

• Sleep in the same room for the first few nights until the puppy adjusts to being without their mother.

• If possible, place something that smells of the puppy’s mother where they sleep to help to comfort them.

• Be prepared for toilet breaks during the night.

• If your puppy cries or barks during the night, it’s okay to comfort them until they get more confident sleeping alone.

How long can a puppy be left alone during the day?

Once your puppy is comfortable at your house, you can leave them in their crate for an hour or more at a time. Remember, puppies need to urinate frequently.

In general, puppies up to ten weeks of age can’t hold their bladder for more than one hour.

Puppies between ten and 12 weeks old can generally hold their bladder for about two hours, whereas three month

old puppies can usually hold it for an hour for each month they have been alive.

Dogs older than six months can usually hold their bladder for up to six hours but even grown canines should not be left alone for longer than six to eight hours without a bathroom break.

How to take care of a puppy while working

Having a puppy while working full time can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help you make it work:

• If your workplace allows it, bring your puppy along with you.

• Speak to your superior about work-from-home opportunities, at least until your puppy gets used to the new home.

• If you expect your puppy to rest quietly while you’re at work, consider giving them an exercise session before you head off to work.

• See if you can arrange to come home during your lunch hour to check in with your puppy. Also, try to tire them out with socialization, exercise, and play prior to leaving for long periods of time.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.