If you’re a new pet parent or you adopt a new puppy or senior dogs , you may be wondering, “How do I take care of a dog?” or “Who can share the dog pet care checklist?”
Both are great questions—but where do you start?
First, understand that taking care of a dog is more than just making sure their bowl is full or that they’re walked. You’ll want to create a top dog pet care checklist of everything your furry friend needs in life.
Let's take a look at all there is to know about pet care and how to be a reliable, loving and responsible pet parent.
As a responsible pet parent, you should be including dog training in your daily routine.With positive reinforcement training, you’ll praise and/or reward your pup with treats for performing the desired cue.
Whether it is making your dog sit before feeding them or having them wait for you to walk through doorways instead of allowing them to bolt through, you can create habits that help keep your pup’s manners sharp.
“Dogs don’t come already knowing how we would like them to behave, so we need to train them so they know what to do,” says Zazie Todd, PhD, a certified dog trainer and founder of Companion Animal Psychology.
Obedience training helps instill healthy doggy manners and plays a big role in keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe.
“Teaching a dog to come when called is especially important and can prevent dogs from getting lost or running out into the road,” says Dr. Todd. “[You] can also train dogs to help them cope with things, like going to the vet, that they might otherwise find scary.”
As a pet parent, you’re responsible for the messes your pup makes.
When you’re walking your dog, always make sure to have dog poop bags on hand to pick up any mess he leaves behind on the sidewalk or on a neighbor’s lawn.
There are plenty of dog poop bag dispensers available that can be attached directly to your dog’s leash, so there is no excuse to not pick up after your pup.
Picking up after your dog is an important pet parent responsibility because it not only helps keep walkways clean, but it also prevents the spread of disease.
“When cleaning, use a detergent that's safe for pets and does not have a strong smell,” says Todd.
You should also use house cleaners that are non-toxic to your furry family members.
Taking care of a pet’s oral health is a critical part of being a pet parent.
Neglecting your pet’s oral health can lead to periodontal disease—which not only puts their mouth in danger, but their overall health as well.
According to Dr. Cox, once the surrounding tissue and bone are compromised, teeth begin to loosen and can start to fall out. Compromised tissue and bone are also at risk of bacterial infection, which can put your pet at risk for heart, lung, liver, and kidney disease.
“Outside of yearly dental cleanings, pet parents should brush their pets’ teeth at least three times a week to prevent plaque or tartar buildup using specially formulated dog toothpaste,” says Dr. Cox.
Part of caring for your dog is making sure they are properly groomed. From the coat to the nails, a well-groomed pet helps ensure their health.
“Pets should be bathed on a regular basis with shampoos and conditioners that are specifically labeled for them. Make sure you follow the labeled directions and rinse the skin and coat thoroughly,” says Dr. Cox. “Ears should be cleaned using ear cleaner that’s approved for use in dogs. Regular ear cleaning will prohibit the buildup of dirt and debris that could lead to ear infections.”
Dog walks are an important part of your dog’s exercise routine. Every dog needs regular walks—but how often and how long depends on the dog.
Some dogs may only enjoy short walks to do their business and then want to head back inside, and other dogs may need to go for longer runs to burn off all their energy.
“For those dogs, it can be helpful to include games such as fetch in their daily routine, or other activities such as agility, dock diving, or nose work,” says Todd.
One thing to remember when planning an outdoor walk with your dog is to use a leash. Not only does a leash keep your dog safe and under control, but it also allows other pet owners with reactive or timid dogs to walk their dogs without having to worry about your dog approaching without consent.
Playtime is essential for building and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. It allows you to build a fun and positive relationship with your dog while also providing him with an effective outlet to release his energy.
“Play helps to stop pets from getting bored, [getting] frustrated, and developing behavior problems,” says Shermaine Wilson Cox, DVM, an Atlanta-based veterinarian.
Not all pets enjoy the same types of play, so you will have to figure out what gets your pup up and moving. This means that you have to experiment with a variety of dog toys until you find what they like.
“Regular veterinary visits will allow veterinarians to prevent disease or provide early treatment if problems arise,” says Dr. Cox.
If you have a senior dog, it’s recommended to make appointments with your veterinarian every six months.
Dr. Carlson says, “Senior dogs and cats need biannual checkups. Pets can age several years over six months compared to humans, so a lot can change quickly.”
This will help you catch changes in your pet’s health more efficiently so they can continue to live a healthy life in their golden years.
And young puppies will need to go to the vet even more often—about every three to four weeks for the first few months of life.
It’s important to be aware of some common threats to your dog’s health and taking the necessary steps to protect them.
Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are two of the most common [pests] found on pets. If not prevented, fleas can lead to itching, hair loss, flea allergy dermatitis, secondary skin infections, tapeworms and even severe anemia.
Ticks also pose a threat to your pup.
Ticks can transmit viral, bacterial, and protozoal diseases. Examples of tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. These diseases can make your dog ill if not properly diagnosed and treated,.
For fleas and ticks, there are several products that pet parents can get over the counter (OTC) or through a veterinarian, such as shampoos or sprays, topical medications and collars,.
Whether you are a puppy or an older dog, proper care at all stages is important for their health and well-being. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure your dog leads a healthy and fulfilling life. For more information on high-quality pet health products and other resources, visit TOPO PET blog.
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