How to keep your companion canine happy
and healthy.
Before
You Bring Your Dog Home
You will need food, water and food
bowls, leash, collar, training crate, brush, comb
and canine chew toys.
Cleaning Up
Keep your dog on a leash when you
are outside, unless 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.
Feeding
Puppies 8 to 12 weeks old need
four meals a day. Puppies three to six months old
need three meals a day. Puppies six months to one
year need two meals a day. When your dog is one
year old, one meal a day is usually enough. For
some dogs (such as larger ones or those prone to
bloat), it's better to continue to feed two
smaller meals. Premium-quality dry food provides a
well-balanced diet and may be mixed with water,
broth or some canned food. Your dog may enjoy
cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits and vegetables,
but these additions should not total more than 10
percent of your dog's daily food intake.
Puppies should be fed a high-quality brand-name
puppy food (avoid generic brands) two to four
times a day. Please limit "people food," however,
because it can cause puppies to suffer vitamin and
mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems and
may cause very picky eating habits, as well as
obesity. Have clean, fresh water available at all
times. Wash food and water dishes frequently.
Exercise
Every dog needs daily exercise for mental
and physical stimulation. The proper amount
depends on the breed type, age and health status
of your dog. Providing enough exercise will
improve your dog's health and prevent household
destruction and other behavior problems common in underexercised dogs.
Grooming
You can help keep your dog clean and reduce
shedding by brushing her frequently. 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 dirt will stick to soap residue.
Housing
You will need to provide your pet
with a warm, quiet place to rest away from all
drafts and off of the floor. A training crate is
ideal. You may wish to buy a dog bed, or make one
out of a wooden box. Place a clean blanket or
pillow inside the bed. Wash the dog's often. If
your dog will be spending a great deal of time
outdoors, you will need to provide her with shade
and plenty of cool water in hot weather and a
warm, dry, covered shelter when it's cold.
Article courtesy: The American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Printed with permission.
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