If you are adopting a dog, save the adoption first and look it up in this directory. Check out our shelter listings of local adoptable dogs.
Sheltering a Dog
Sheltering a dog is okay whether you are a veteran dog person or it is your first dog. But you must keep in mind general dog care very much for the dog and its welfare. Dog parents have a lot to say, so here’s an ad hoc list:
Feeding Your Dog
One meal a day is sufficient after the first birthday, but if the dog is younger than that, then caring for a dog below this age is a different matter:
- 8 to 12 weeks old: Four meals during the day.
- 3 to 6 months old: Three meals is plenty.
- Over 6 months old: One or two meals will suffice.
A well-mingled diet of canned food, dry food, and broth or fabulously premium kibble is a balanced dog diet, one that is suitable for medium-sized dogs and leaves enough room for dog owners to add fruit, vegetables, cheese, or eggs if they choose, but the total extra amount should not exceed 10%. Dogs that were big or had bloat issues needed only two separate meals.
It is essential for puppies to consume large-breed puppy food from reputable companies. However, “people food” should not be given excessively as it could result in undermined bone and tooth structure, obesity, a selective appetite, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Since puppies are dependent on water for growth, always provide clean water to puppies.
Regular Exercise
Dogs are also sports enthusiasts and must be exercised to burn fat and work the brain to keep them fit and healthy. But the exercise an individual dog gets depends on many other variables such as breed, sex, age, and even disease. Adequate exercise is supposed to decrease boredom, which can lead to a dog doing destructive things, as they’re happy. Supervising fun and games will satisfy many of your pet’s instinctual needs, including the need to dig, herd, chew, retrieve, and chase.
Grooming Procedure
Your dog’s coat should be clean and shed less if you brush it often. In warm climates, both fleas and ticks can be common so treat with anti-flea medicine and recheck them every day. Dogs are fairly hygienic and only need to be bathed a few times per year. Comb or cut off all the coat mats before bathing the dog. Also, wash all soap completely from the coat, because soap clings to all the dirt inside the coat.
Handling
For “close up, I’m calling you,” place your puppy in one hand under his chest with your forearm and the other hand resting on his hind legs and belly. Do not attempt to pick up a pup by its neck. If you have to pick up a big dog, grab him from the side with one arm in his pectorals and the other in his back.
Housing
Your pet’s chest and back should always touch dry objects – stay away from drafts and the floor. Use a blanket or pillow, hang it in the training crate or drape it in a dog bed (where your dog will feel most at ease). Also, wash the dog’s bedding often. Be sure your dog is provided with shade and fresh water if they have to go out in the heat, and some food or dry food in the cold.
Licensing and Identification
License rules/beacons are from the community. Make it a habit, and when you do it, his collar can get a license on it. The collar comes with a microchip or tattoo so if your dog goes missing, you can use this system, and your dog will return to you.
Fleas and Ticks
You should always examine your dog for fleas and ticks every day in the summer months. Fleas: Comb your dog’s skin with a flea comb to capture them. Get help from a vet for new medication solutions for fleas and ticks.
Medicines and Poisons
The vet has suggested some drugs for your dog. When you feel your pet has swallowed anything poisonous, never hesitate to visit your vet.
Spaying and Neutering
All female dogs must be spayed; all male dogs must have their hips neutered at 6 months of age.
Vaccinations
You might be asked to give your dog various vaccinations in some cases.
