About Taking Care of Puppies & Dogs

Nutrition

• Dogs and puppies need to eat to live. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states that puppies between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks need about four meals a day. Three- to 6-month old puppies should eat three solid meals a day, while puppies 6 months to 1 year old require about two meals a day. Adult dogs over 1 year of age generally only need to eat once a day. The amount fed depends on the dog's weight, overall health and activity level. A dog that runs 3 miles a day needs more calories than a dog who sits on the sofa all day. An obese dog needs fewer calories to reduce weight. A licensed veterinary care provider will tell you the appropriate amount of food for your individual dog or puppy's needs. Feed your dog or puppy a quality food high in nutrients and protein. Make sure your dog has access to clean water at all times.

Physical Activity

• On the opposite end of the spectrum from nutrition is exercise. Dogs need a certain amount of physical activity to keep their bodies in shape, burn off calories and stimulate their minds. A dog cannot read a book or watch television. Exercise is one of a dog's primary activities. Activity levels vary for individual dogs, and the amount of exercise needed varies by breed, age and overall health. Walking, running, games of fetch or swimming are excellent activities that circumvent boredom and promote canine health, according to "Dogs for Dummies."

Training

• Training is a never-ending process, according to the author of "Secondhand Dog." Young puppies should be "potty trained," or taught to defecate and urinate outside of the house. Older puppies need to be taught basic obedience and commands such as "sit," "stay," "come" and "no." Along with obedience training, basic manners and socialization are needed. A well-trained dog knows how to interact with other dogs and humans other than its owner. Taking care of dogs and puppies requires the owner to teach dogs these basic things, or hire a licensed trainer to do so.

Veterinary Care

• Just as humans go to the doctor, dogs and puppies must go to the veterinarian. Puppies need a series of vaccinations to ward off diseases. Older dogs need yearly vaccinations to remain healthy. Flea prevention, heart worm prevention and annual well-being checkups are needed to maintain a healthy dog or puppy. Spaying or neutering your canine companion is advised by many experts, including the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA quotes the average price of recurring medical costs as of 2010, ranging from $210 a year for a small dog to $260 a year for a large dog. Estimated initial first-year costs range from $260 for a small dog to $270 for a large dog.

Other Considerations

• Dogs are, by nature, den animals. To make sure they feel safe and secure, it is best for owners to provide their dogs with an area that simulates this type of environment, be it a pet bed, kennel or room. Toys circumvent destructive behaviors by providing dogs, and particularly puppies, with an appropriate outlet for energy. Consider that a dog needs a certain amount of your time and attention each day. This need varies by individual dog, but spending quality time with your pooch is a vital part of taking care of it.