How to Care for Dogs

Feeding:

Puppies eight to twelve 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 old two meals a day. When your dog reaches their first birthday, one meal a day is usually enough. Follow directions on your dogs food for more exact measurements. 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. Other foods include cottage cheese, cooked eggs, fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than ten percent of their 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," (especially chocolate) 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.

Some foods to NEVER give your dog are...

Chocolate
Avocados
Garlic and onions
Grapes
Coffee
Yeast dough

See the full list here.

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.

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.

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.

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 they have access to shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather, and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it's cold.

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 they become lost.

Health:

You should take your dog to a veterinarian at least once a year for an examination and annual shots and if they are sick or injured.

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

Breeds:

There are many different breeds of dogs and one may be better for you than another.

Training:

Training is extremely recommended if your getting a dog. A well-behaved dog makes everything better. Many pet stores such as Petco offer training classes and there are many places where you can take your dog. Amazon and most book stores have training books too.

Exercise:

Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and stay healthy, just like humans! Individual exercise needs vary based on breed, gender, 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.

Another form of exercise for you dog is going on walks. Remember to keep your dog on a leash when you are outside, unless you are in a secured, fenced-in area. Also, if your dog defecates on a neighbor's lawn, the sidewalk or any other public place, make sure to clean it up and dispose of it.

Adopting:

When you adopt a dog you are committing to supporting and loving a dog for 8-14 years to come. Can you financially take care of a dog? The cost of getting a dog depends on breed and where your getting it from. If you are getting a dog from a breeder it can cost you anything from $500 to $4,000. If you are adopting from a animal shelter it will cost you about $350 or more depending on if it’s a puppy. In the first year it can cost you well over $2,000 and an additional $1,000 dollars each year. In the end it can cost you up to $15,000. So make this choice for the dog not you.

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