Why getting a dog ?
A dog can be a wonderful addition to any home. Whether you are an experienced pet parent or adopting a dog for the first time. Keeping your canine companion healthy should always be a top priority. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and proper care can also help prevent many illnesses and reduce costly veterinary expenses.
Dogs deserve the very best we can give them. We have hobbies, friends, work, family, and activities that fill our lives—but to our dogs, we are their whole world. We are their family, their companions, and the people they trust and depend on every day.
Our dogs rely on us to provide nutritious food, proper healthcare, exercise, affection, mental stimulation, and companionship. They depend on us to protect their health, relieve boredom, and give them the opportunity to enjoy a happy, active, and fulfilling life.
When we welcome a dog into our family, we take on the responsibility of caring for them with love, patience, and compassion. In return, they give us something truly special: unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship.
Feeding
- Puppies: Feed 3 to 4 small meals a day until about 6 months old.
- Adult dogs: Feed 2 meals a day, spaced 8 hours apart.
- Fresh water: Keep clean water available all day.
- Portion control: Use the feeding chart on your dog food bag to measure exact amounts for their target weight.
- Quality ingredients: Choose foods where real meat is the first ingredient
- Safe environment: Feed your dog in a quiet, calm space
Premium-quality dog food can provide a well-balanced diet for most healthy adult dogs. Choose a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, activity level, and individual nutritional needs.
Puppies should be fed a high-quality food specifically formulated for growth. Large-breed puppies may benefit from formulas designed for large breeds, since proper nutrition during development is especially important for healthy bone and joint growth.
Treats and additional foods should generally make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Be cautious when offering human foods, as some foods that are safe for people can be unhealthy or even toxic to dogs.
Fresh, clean water should always be available. Food and water bowls should be washed regularly to help prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Importance of Good Nutrition
Feeding your dog a nutritious, well-balanced diet is an important investment in their long-term health. Consistently poor nutrition can contribute to obesity, dental problems, nutritional deficiencies, and other health concerns that may become costly to treat later in life.
Dog ownership comes with ongoing expenses, including quality food, routine veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, grooming, and unexpected medical treatment. Before bringing a dog into your home, it is important to consider whether you can reasonably provide for these needs throughout the dog’s lifetime.
Choosing a good-quality dog food does not necessarily mean purchasing the most expensive brand. Look for food that is nutritionally complete and appropriate for your dog’s life stage, and speak with your veterinarian if you are unsure which diet is best.
When choosing food for your dog, the most important thing is to select a high-quality, complete, and balanced diet that meets your dog’s individual nutritional needs. Grain-free food is not necessarily better than food that contains grains. In fact, many dogs can digest properly prepared grains very well, and grains can provide valuable nutrients, fiber, and energy.
Some dogs may have specific food sensitivities or allergies and may benefit from a specialized diet recommended by a veterinarian. However, a grain-free diet should not automatically be chosen simply because it is labeled “grain-free.” What matters most is the overall nutritional quality of the food, the ingredients used, the manufacturer’s nutritional expertise, and whether the diet is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, activity level, and health.
Just like with people, what we feed our pets can have a major effect on their overall health and well-being. A nutritious diet can help support healthy skin and coat, digestion, weight, energy levels, muscles, joints, and overall health throughout your dog’s life.
When selecting a dog food, look for one that is labeled complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage and comes from a manufacturer that follows strong nutritional and quality-control standards. If your dog has digestive problems, allergies, skin problems, or other health concerns, talk with your veterinarian before changing to a specialized or grain-free diet.
Exercise
Daily exercise is one of the most important parts of supporting your dog’s long-term health and quality of life. Just like humans, dogs benefit greatly from regular physical activity. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, supports strong muscles and joints, improves cardiovascular health, provides mental stimulation, and can help dogs remain active and mobile as they age.
A dog’s individual exercise needs will vary depending on breed or breed mix, age, size, health, energy level, and physical condition. Some dogs may be happy with regular walks and gentle play, while highly active breeds may require considerably more exercise and mental stimulation each day.
Exercise is also an excellent way to prevent boredom. Dogs that do not receive enough physical activity or mental stimulation may develop unwanted behaviors such as excessive chewing, digging, barking, or destructive behavior. As the saying goes, a tired puppy is often a well-behaved puppy!
Supervised walks, playtime, training sessions, and interactive games can also satisfy many of your dog’s natural instincts, including retrieving, chasing, digging, herding, chewing, exploring, and using their sense of smell.
As dogs grow older, maintaining an appropriate level of activity becomes especially important. Regular, age-appropriate exercise can help preserve muscle strength, mobility, balance, and overall comfort. Exercise should always be adjusted if your dog develops arthritis, joint problems, injuries, or other medical conditions.
Two of the greatest gifts you can give your companion are good nutrition and regular exercise. Together, they can help support a healthier, happier, and more active life—and spending that time walking and playing with your dog can benefit your own health as well!
Supplements for older dogs
If you’ve done all of these and your dog is having joint problems at an older age, then I recommend these 3 supplements.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine supplements help to stimulate cartilage growth and thicken synovial fluid, improving mechanical joint function and slowing the progression of arthritis; meaning less stiffness and discomfort for your dog. This is much better for your dog’s joints and less harsh on their health, than what your Vet might prescribe. I’m a believer in natural methods for a dog’s longevity, rather than medications full of chemicals.
What vets give you are harsh medications, with bad side effects. Often when you give your dog a medication from the vets for joint pain or other things, you then have to give them another medication to counter the bad effects of the first medication. It doesn’t end. It’s very hard on your dog’s kidneys and liver. I’m not saying not to give them medication for pain after a surgery at all. Obviously they will need the pain and antibiotics meds, and those are just temporary for the first two weeks or so after a surgery. Glucosamine should be started when your dog is 6 years old, depending on sizes, Small, Medium or Large breed. A good option would be this one !
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Salmon oil
Salmon oil is a wonder-trio of fatty acids: Omega 3, 6 and 9. These powerful ingredients are really beneficial to your dog’s body and mind; they promote healthier skin and coat quality, improved heart health, and they boost immune system, brainpower and movement. Salmon oil gives a healthy, smooth, shiny, soft coat. It also helps with hot spots, skin allergies. It can be given after 1 year.
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CBD Oil
Contrary to a lot of disbelief about CBD oil, it is extremely good to help with pain and inflammation. I know this, because I gave it to both my dog and wolf hybrid, and noticed the same day, that they were moving a lot easier, were not in as much pain and seemed to be their puppy self again. If you ask your vet, they will of course laugh and tell you that there is not enough research on it, giving you a lot of excuses to prescribe your dog pain medication, which costs a lot of money and is very unhealthy.
What Is CBD?
Cannabis is a plant with over 80 bioactive ingredients. CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in marijuana, with the first being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The difference between CBD and THC is that THC has a psychoactive property associated with the feeling of being “high,” and CBD does not. CBD is almost always in oil form, while THC can be in many forms, including the green flower that most people are familiar with.
CBD has been suspected to have many medicinal properties. It works in people by attaching to specific receptors in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), intestines, muscles, bones, liver, spleen, heart, and lungs to enhance certain body functions. Make sure it is legal in your state.
Benefits of CBD for Dogs
Beneficial use of CBD in dogs include:
- Decrease Pain associated with arthritis
- Helps with Seizures
- Atopy (heightened tendency to develop allergic diseases)
- Stress and anxiety (this is good to calm your dog on the 4th of July before fireworks and before flying, or travel if your dog gets nervous.
Grooming
Help keep your dog clean, comfortable, and reduce excessive shedding with regular brushing. During warmer months, check your dog daily for fleas and ticks, especially after spending time outdoors.
Most dogs do not need frequent baths. Bathing too often can strip away the natural oils that help protect the skin and coat, which may lead to dryness and irritation. How often your dog needs a bath depends on their breed, coat type, lifestyle, and skin condition.
Before bathing, thoroughly brush or comb your dog’s coat and gently remove any mats or tangles. Mats can become tighter and more difficult to remove once they are wet.
Use a shampoo made specifically for dogs and rinse the coat thoroughly so no soap residue remains, as leftover shampoo can irritate the skin and attract dirt.
A good shampoo i reccomend. This bottle will last you a very long time.
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If your dog has a long, thick, or double coat, make sure both the outer coat and undercoat are dried thoroughly after bathing or swimming. Moisture trapped close to the skin can create a warm, damp environment that may contribute to irritation, unpleasant odors, bacterial growth, and other skin problems.
Regular grooming is not only about keeping your dog looking clean and healthy—it also gives you an opportunity to check their skin, ears, paws, and coat for redness, sores, swelling, parasites, or anything else that seems unusual.
Hot Spots
Some dogs, especially those with thick or double coats, can be prone to developing hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis. Warm, humid weather and moisture trapped against the skin can contribute to these painful, irritated areas.
I often struggled with this problem when I lived in Quebec, Canada, where the summers can be very humid. My Golden Retriever would frequently develop hot spots. When this happened, the hair around the affected area sometimes needed to be carefully trimmed or clipped so air could reach the skin and the area could remain clean and dry.
After I moved to Wyoming, where the climate was much drier, hot spots were no longer nearly as much of a problem for my dog. In my experience, humidity and prolonged moisture made a noticeable difference.
If your dog develops a hot spot, keeping the affected area clean and dry is very important. Avoid swimming and unnecessary bathing until the skin has healed, since additional moisture can make irritation worse. Hair around the area may need to be carefully clipped to improve airflow, but very sore or inflamed skin should be handled gently.
Hot spots can worsen quickly, so contact your veterinarian if the area is spreading, oozing, has a strong odor, appears infected, is very painful, or does not begin improving. Your veterinarian can also help determine whether allergies, fleas, ear problems, or another underlying condition is causing your dog to repeatedly develop hot spots.
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Handling
When carrying a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the chest while using your forearm or other hand to support the hind legs and rump. This helps keep the dog’s body secure and properly supported.
Never lift or grab a puppy or small dog by the front legs, tail, or back of the neck, as this can cause pain or injury.
If you need to lift a larger dog, support the dog from underneath by placing one arm beneath the chest and the other beneath the hindquarters. Keep the dog close to your body while lifting to provide as much stability and support as possible.
Puppies are especially small and delicate, so always handle them gently and carefully. Proper support when lifting and carrying your puppy will help keep them safe, comfortable, and secure.
Housing
Your dog needs a warm, quiet, and comfortable place to rest, away from drafts and excessive noise. A training crate or comfortable dog bed is ideal, with clean, soft bedding such as a blanket placed inside. Make sure to wash your dog’s bedding regularly to help keep their sleeping area clean and free of dirt, odors, and bacteria.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, proper shelter is especially important. During hot weather, always provide plenty of fresh, cool water and access to a shaded area where your dog can escape the heat. In cold or wet weather, your dog should have access to a warm, dry, covered shelter that protects them from wind, rain, and snow.
A comfortable and protected resting area helps your dog feel safe and gives them a peaceful place to relax and sleep.
Licensing and Identification
Follow your community’s licensing regulations and make sure your dog’s license is securely attached to their collar. Your dog should also wear an identification tag with your current contact information.
For additional protection, consider having your dog microchipped. A collar and ID tag can be lost or removed, while a microchip provides a permanent form of identification that can greatly improve the chances of being reunited with your dog if they become lost. Some owners may also use other permanent identification methods, such as a tattoo.
It is extremely important to keep your contact information associated with the microchip up to date. If you move, change your phone number, or change your email address, update the microchip registry as soon as possible. A microchip can only help reunite you with your dog if the information connected to it is accurate.
Microchips
There are many stories online claiming that microchips are dangerous because a chip has migrated from its original location or caused complications in an animal. While complications can occur, serious problems associated with microchips are considered uncommon.
For me, the benefits of microchipping far outweigh the potential risks. If my dog ever became lost, I would want to give them every possible chance of being identified and safely returned home.
Don’t let a frightening Facebook post, YouTube video, or isolated story automatically discourage you from microchipping your pet. If you have concerns, speak with your veterinarian and ask about the benefits and possible risks for your individual animal. Making an informed decision based on reliable veterinary information is one of the best ways to protect your pet.
Fleas and Ticks
Checking your dog regularly for fleas and ticks is especially important during the warmer months. Run your hands through your dog’s coat and use a flea comb to look for fleas, flea dirt, ticks, or irritated skin. After spending time in wooded areas, tall grass, or brush, carefully check areas such as the ears, neck, armpits, groin, between the toes, and around the tail.
There are many effective flea and tick prevention products available today, including topical treatments, oral medications, collars, and other options. Talk with your veterinarian about which method is safest and most appropriate for your dog based on their age, size, health, lifestyle, and where you live.
Some people prefer more natural approaches to flea and tick control. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is sometimes used around the home or environment to help control certain insects. However, it should be used cautiously. The fine powder can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system if inhaled, and it should not be considered a reliable replacement for veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention.
Personally, I have always preferred using natural methods whenever possible because I like to minimize unnecessary chemical exposure. However, “natural” does not automatically mean safer or more effective, so it is important to research any product carefully and discuss it with your veterinarian.
If you are looking for a more natural approach to helping prevent fleas, here is a method I used in the past that worked well for me:
Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations. You can also put the mixture in an empty spray bottle and spray it on your dog’s thighs near the genitals where there is not much hair. That is usually where the fleas bite the skin and where the infestation begins, or you can also use Diatomaceous earth food grade.
Medicines and Poisons
If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426- 4435.
Spaying and Neutering
For dogs that are not intended for responsible breeding, spaying or neutering is an important part of responsible pet ownership. These procedures prevent unwanted litters and help reduce the number of puppies and dogs that end up homeless or in shelters. Spaying and neutering can also provide important health benefits, although the ideal age for the procedure can vary from one dog to another.
There is no single age that is perfect for every dog. Smaller breeds are often spayed or neutered at around 5–6 months of age, while veterinarians may recommend waiting longer for large and giant breeds—often until they are closer to finishing their growth. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best time based on your dog’s breed, size, sex, health, and lifestyle.
Spaying a female dog eliminates the risk of uterine infections such as pyometra and prevents pregnancy, while neutering a male eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. There can also be other health and behavioral benefits. However, research has shown that performing the surgery too early may carry certain risks for some breeds, particularly large and giant dogs, which is why timing should be discussed with your veterinarian.
If cost is preventing you from having your dog spayed or neutered, don’t assume the procedure is out of reach. Many animal shelters, humane societies, rescue organizations, and low-cost veterinary clinics offer reduced-cost spay and neuter programs.
Spaying and neutering are routine veterinary surgical procedures performed under anesthesia. Most young, healthy dogs recover relatively quickly, although every dog is different and proper post-operative care is important.
Being a responsible dog owner means preventing accidental litters and making healthcare decisions based on what is best for your individual dog.
Vaccinations
Your dog may benefit from some vaccinations. But do not over vaccinate either. When your dog is a year old, rabies is absolutely a must. Depending on where you live, where you take your dog, some vaccines should be given, while others are really not necessary. Some can be given every 3 years which is more cost effective, than yearly. Your puppy will need all the vaccines suggested by your vet until 6 months of age.
After that age, you can choose which vaccine your dog needs. For example, if you live in an area that is at risk for Lyme disease, then you will want to give them that vaccine. If you board your dog a lot, or if your dog goes to the doggy day care a lot, you will want to give them the vaccine for kennel cough.
I only give rabies & Leptospira shots because I brought my dogs on hikes, in the mountains, and on trails, where they might be in contact with wild animal urine and feces. Leptospirosis is a horrible disease that can kill your dog. I had given the Lepto shot to my dog every year until the one that I skipped and my golden retriever got sick with leptospirosis and I almost lost him. Lesson learned the hard way. He survived but it took 6 months to find the right antibiotics and another 6 months to cure him. Because we hadn’t neutered him, he scratched his testicules, while on the beach, rubbed himself against a dead whale. Needless to say, it was heartbreaking to watch my dog lose a LOT of weight, be in pain, barely able to move because I did not give him the proper vaccination for our lifestyle.
Dog Supply Checklist
- Premium-quality dog food and treats (As suggested above)
- Food dish
- Water bowl
- Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys (No dried, smoked, cooked, boiled bones! Dangerous as they can splinter and hurt your dog, always give raw meat bones)
- Brush & comb for grooming, including flea comb
- Collar with license and ID tag
- Leash
- Training crate
- Dog bed (I sometimes use baby mattress or used mattress on Facebook marketplace, often cheaper and as comfortable than a dog bed)
- Dog toothbrush
- Ear cleaning solution to avoid yeast infection especially for dogs with floppy ears
Dogs have highly developed senses
This includes an incredibly well-developed sense of smell, far superior to humans. They can also see better than us in dark and dim light, and hear and detect sounds up to four times quieter than humans can hear!
Dogs use a range of methods to communicate
Including scent information, sounds such as whines, whimpers, growls, barks and howls, and also body language using their body, face, tail, ears and limbs. They also sometimes smell rolled in nasties to cover their own smell !
Dogs are highly social
Many dogs enjoy the company of other dogs, but they’ll also form strong social bonds with humans, becoming very attached to particular people in their lives. Some don’t like dog parks, but I think it is a good way to socialize your puppy and burn their extra energy. Tired dog is a good dog ! If you can’t trust your dog off leash there are fenced dog parks. Personally I prefer the off leash dog park as it gives my dog more liberty and freedom and they are also usually larger than fenced dog parks. I raised two very social dogs by going to the dog park almost daily. It also provided me with daily exercises and allowed me to socialize with other dog owners. You should always follow dog park etiquette when bringing your dog to a dog park.
Unfortunately not everyone does this, but for the most part, i noticed that most people do. That is to :
- Make sure your dog has had all of it’s vaccinations and they are up to date and dewormed (Rabies vaccine is very important)
- Avoid bringing a dog that has not been spayed and neutered (Oftentimes dogs that are intact will create problems with other dogs. I have seen people bringing their dogs that were in heat and creating fighting between other dogs. Dogs creating accidental and unwanted litters. Males that are still intact will sometimes be more aggressive toward dogs that are not.)
- Always pickup after your dog ! It can transmit diseases
- Don’t bring a dog that is overly aggressive. That usually never ends well
- Keeping your dog on a leash around other loose dogs usually does not end well either. Your dog will feel very defensive because it will feel like it cannot protect itself or you from other dogs
Dogs under 4 months should not be brought to the dog park. They are fragile and missing vaccines.
You also get to meet new people with the same common interest, dogs ! It’s a fun way to tire your dog and socialize with others. I really enjoyed my time going to the dog park.
Written by Nadia Marie — based on my experience raising pet dogs.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Author: Nadia Marie
Sources: Royal Canin