Dog Care: A Complete Guide to Everyday Care and Welfare
Good dog care covers feeding, exercise, grooming, training, health, companionship, hygiene and a safe environment. Dogs also need opportunities to behave naturally and appropriate veterinary care when they are ill or injured. This guide provides a practical framework for everyday dog care in the UK.
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Dog Care★: A Complete Guide to Everyday Care and Welfare
Dog★ Care
Dog care is the ongoing responsibility of meeting a dog's physical, behavioural and social needs.
The RSPCA's five welfare needs provide a useful framework: suitable food and water, a suitable environment, protection from pain and illness, opportunities for natural behaviour and appropriate companionship.
1. What Dog Care Covers
Everyday dog care includes:
- Feeding and fresh water
- Exercise
- Mental stimulation
- Training
- Grooming
- Dental care
- Veterinary care★
- Parasite prevention
- Vaccinations and preventative health
- Safe housing
- Toilet opportunities
- Companionship
- Identification and responsible control
The exact routine should be adjusted to the dog's age, breed, health and individual needs.
2. Key Facts and Specifications
Feeding
Dogs need food appropriate for their life stage and condition. Food quantity should be adjusted to the individual dog's needs and body condition rather than simply following a fixed amount for every dog.
Exercise
Exercise supports physical and mental wellbeing. Requirements vary greatly between dogs.
Grooming
Grooming needs depend on coat type. Regular brushing can help maintain the coat and provide an opportunity to notice changes in the skin.
Health
Routine veterinary care can help identify health problems early. Vaccinations, parasite prevention and dental care are important parts of preventative care.
Environment
Dogs need a safe, comfortable place to rest, regular toilet opportunities and protection from hazards.
3. Practical Guidance
Build a consistent daily routine.
Provide fresh water and suitable meals, allow adequate rest, provide exercise appropriate for the individual dog, and include training and enrichment.
Check your dog regularly for:
- Changes in appetite
- Weight changes
- Lameness
- Skin problems
- Changes in drinking
- Dental problems
- Changes in behaviour
- Breathing problems
- Unusual tiredness
Keep identification details up to date.
4. Suitability, Choices and Limitations
A young puppy requires different care from an adult dog, while senior dogs may need adjustments for mobility and comfort.
Working or highly active breeds may require substantially more exercise and enrichment than lower-energy companion dogs.
Dogs with long or complex coats can need more grooming.
Dogs with health conditions may require specialist diets, medication, exercise changes or other veterinary care.
5. UK-Specific Considerations
GOV.UK states that dogs must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old.
Dogs in public places must also wear a collar and tag with the owner's name and address.
UK owners should be aware of local dog-control requirements and restrictions.
6. Safety, Risks and Cautions
Keep household chemicals, medicines and hazardous foods away from dogs.
Do not give human medicines unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.
Avoid forcing a dog to exercise when it is showing signs of illness, pain, overheating or exhaustion.
During hot weather, provide access to water and shade and avoid strenuous exercise in dangerous temperatures.
Seek veterinary advice when a dog appears unwell, injured or in pain.
7. Current Sources and Research
RSPCA guidance was checked for the five welfare needs and suitable home environments. PDSA guidance was used for responsible dog care and exercise. GOV.UK guidance was checked for current microchipping requirements.