Dog care basics

Before your dog comes home

Dogs were domesticated from ancient wolf populations many thousands of years ago, and they are deeply social animals. A dog needs company, routine and clear guidance. Before bringing one home:

• Choose a vet and book a first checkup.
• Dog-proof your home: secure trash, cables, medicines and toxic foods. See foods dangerous to pets.
• Get a collar or harness, an ID tag, a leash, bowls, a bed, a crate if you plan to crate train, and safe toys.
• Decide on house rules, such as whether the dog may go on furniture, so everyone is consistent.

Food and water

• Feed a complete and balanced dog food suited to your dog's life stage: puppy, adult or senior.
• Follow the label as a starting point and adjust to keep your dog at a healthy weight. You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard.
• Provide fresh water at all times.
• Avoid feeding table scraps, which often lead to weight gain and can include toxic ingredients.

Exercise and enrichment

Needs vary hugely by breed, age and health.

Mental exercise matters too: sniffing walks, puzzle feeders and training games tire a dog out as much as running.

Training

• Use reward-based training: treats, praise and play for the behavior you want.
• Start with basics: name recognition, sit, down, stay, come, and walking on a loose leash.
• Keep sessions short, around 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day.
• Socialize puppies gently to people, other dogs, sounds and places during their early months.
• Avoid punishment-based methods, which can increase fear and aggression.

Vet care

• Vaccines: your vet will recommend core vaccines, typically including rabies, distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus, plus others based on your area and lifestyle.
• Parasite prevention: fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and, in many regions, heartworm.
• Spaying or neutering: discuss timing with your vet.
• Microchip: a permanent ID that greatly improves the chance of getting a lost dog back.
• Dental care: brush teeth with dog toothpaste and schedule dental checks.
• Annual checkups, or more often for seniors.

Grooming

• Brush regularly according to coat type.
• Trim nails when you hear them clicking on hard floors.
• Check ears for redness or bad smell.
• Bathe only as needed with dog shampoo.

Safety

• Never leave a dog in a parked car. Temperatures inside can become dangerous quickly, even on mild days.
• Keep dogs on a leash near roads and in wildlife areas.
• Learn the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, weakness and collapse.

Understanding your dog

Dogs communicate through body language: tail position, ears, posture and facial expression. A wagging tail does not always mean happiness. Learn more in animal communication.