How to Care for a Dog

Nutrition

• Feed high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age, size, and activity level
• Follow feeding guidelines on packaging but adjust based on your dog's needs
• Divide food into two meals per day for adult dogs
• Puppies need 3-4 smaller meals daily
• Always provide fresh, clean water
• Limit treats to 10% of daily caloric intake
• Avoid giving chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and other toxic foods

Try our Dog Feeding Calculator

Exercise Requirements

• Most dogs need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily
• High-energy breeds may need 1-2 hours of activity
• Mix up activities: walking, running, fetch, swimming
• Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise
• Puzzle toys and training sessions help keep their mind sharp
• Adjust exercise based on age, health, and breed

Grooming

1. Brush your dog regularly - daily for long-haired breeds, weekly for short-haired
2. Bathe every 1-3 months, or when dirty (avoid over-bathing)
3. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks or when you hear them clicking on hard floors
4. Clean ears weekly to prevent infections
5. Brush teeth daily or provide dental chews to maintain oral health
6. Check for parasites, unusual lumps, or skin issues during grooming

Health Care

• Schedule annual veterinary check-ups
• Keep vaccinations up to date
• Use monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives
• Spay or neuter your dog (discuss timing with your vet)
• Maintain a healthy weight to prevent joint issues and other health problems
• Learn to recognize signs of illness: lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc.

Training and Socialization

• Begin training basic commands as early as possible
• Use positive reinforcement methods (treats and praise)
• Be consistent with rules and expectations
• Socialize your dog with different people, animals, and environments
• Address behavior problems early before they become habits
• Consider obedience classes for additional training help

Creating a Safe Home

• Keep toxic substances (cleaning products, medications) out of reach
• Secure trash cans to prevent access
• Remove or secure electrical cords that could be chewed
• Provide a comfortable bed in a quiet area
• Consider crate training for safety when unsupervised
• Ensure your yard is securely fenced if applicable
• Use pet gates to block access to unsafe areas