Pet Dog Care, feedings, exercise, grooming, handling, housing, and medication.

Pet Dog Care, feedings, exercise, grooming, handling, housing, and medication.

Pet Dog Care, feedings, exercise, grooming, handling, housing, and medication

A dog can be a great addition to any home, but whether you are a knowledgeable or adoptive pet parent, it is important to keep the health and happiness of your canine friend first. Below are some helpful tips for all dog parents.

And remember: If you are considering bringing a new dog home, please make adoption your first choice. We encourage you to browse our guide to dogs found in your area or visit our Find a Shelter page to begin your search.

Feeding

• Puppies aged eight to 12 weeks need food four times a day.
• Feed puppies three to six months of age three times a day.
• Feed puppies for six months to one year with food twice a day.
• When your dog reaches his first birthday, food once a day is usually enough.
•  For some dogs, including large towers or those that tend to be constipated, it is best to serve two small meals.

Puppies must be fed high-quality, brand-name doggy meals (large breed domestic dog ingredients for massive breeds). However, please restrict "people food," because it can end result in nutrition and mineral imbalances, bone and enamel troubles. It may additionally reason very choosy ingesting habits and obesity. Clean, sparkling water has to be handy at all times and be certain to wash meals and water dishes frequently.

Exercise

Dogs want exercising to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and continue to be healthy. Individual exercising wishes differ primarily based on breed or breed mix, sex, age, and health stage. Exercise additionally tends to assist puppies in keeping away from boredom, which can lead to unfavorable behaviors. Supervised exciting and games will fulfill many of your pet's instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase.

Grooming

Help hold you're canine easy and limit shedding with universal brushing. Check for fleas and ticks each day at some point of heat weather. Most puppies do not want to be bathed greater than a few instances a year before cleaning, comb or reduce out all rugs from the coat. Cautiously rinse all cleaning soap out of the coat, or the filth will stick to cleaning soap remainder.  
Handling

To raise a pup or small dog, region one hand underneath the dog's chest, with both your forearm or different hand assisting the hind legs and rump. Never try to raise or take hold of your domestic dog or small canine using the forelegs, tail, or return of the neck. If you do have to carry a massive dog, raise from the underside, helping his chest with one arm and his rear cease with the other.

Housing

Your pet desires a warm, quiet vicinity to rest, away from all drafts and off the floor. A coaching crate or canine mattress is ideal, with a smooth blanket or pillow positioned inside. Wash the dog's bedding often. If your canine spends a lot of time outdoors, be positive she has gotten entry to color and masses of cool water in warm weather and a warm, dry, included refuge when it is cold.

Licensing and Identification

Follow your community’s licensing regulations. Be positive to connect the license to your dog’s collar. This, alongside an ID tag and implanted microchip or tattoo, can assist tightly closed your dog’s return have to she emerges as lost.

Fleas and Ticks

Daily inspections of your canine for fleas and ticks at some stage in the heat seasons are important. Use a flea comb to locate and dispose of fleas. There are various new strategies for flea and tick control. Tell your pet doctor about these and changed options. Visit our Fleas and Ticks web page for extra information.

Medicines and Poisons

Never supply your canine medicinal drug that has no longer been prescribed using a veterinarian.

Spaying and Neutering

Female puppies have to be spayed, and male puppies neutered using six months of age.
Vaccinations
Your canine might also gain from receiving a variety of vaccinations.  

Dog Supply Checklist

Premium-quality canine meals and treats
Food dish
Water bowl
Toys, toys, and greater toys, consisting of secure chunk toys
Brush & comb for grooming, inclusive of the flea comb
Collar with license and ID tag
Leash
Carrier (for smaller dogs)
Training crate
Dog mattress or field with heat blanket or towel
Dog toothbrush

The Scoop on Poop

Keep your canine on a leash when you are outside until you are in a secured, fenced-in area. If your canine defecates on a neighbor's lawn, the sidewalk, or any different public place, please smooth it up.