by Emily.
A simple guide to caring for man’s best friend, from someone who does it for a living.
Basic Supplies
- Dog bed/mat
- Food and water bowls (I recommend a slow feeding bowl for dogs who gulp their food, this helps prevent tummy upsets)
- Blankets
- Towels
- Stuffed toys
- Balls and Frisbees
- Chew toys
- Collar and tag (legal requirement)
- Harness and leash
- Poop bags
- Nail trimmers
- Grooming brushes
- Dog shampoo
- Anti-flea and parasite formula
- Enrichment toys (food maze, slow treat feeder etc. (see below))
- Dental sticks/chews
- Treats for training
- Food
Balanced Diet
Although tinned dog food does provide all the nutrients a dog needs to survive, a true balanced diet requires a little more.
- Kibble/biscuits/treats (crunchy food is good for the teeth and gums)
- Wet food/tinned dog food
- Raw or cooked meats and fish (good source of nutrients, close to natural diet)
- Raw or cooked eggs (brilliant source of protein for both animals and humans)
- Dental sticks/chews (keep teeth strong and clean)
- Smashed sweet potato or pumpkin (great source of fiber, prevents tummy upsets)
- Carrots (crunchy and good for teeth and gums, an additional source of fiber)
- Peas or broccoli (lots of iron)
- Small amount natural, non-sweetened peanut butter (mainly as a treat)
- Blueberries/watermelon/any dog safe fruit (maintains a healthy and shiny coat)
- Don’t forget to keep your dog hydrated!
Dangerous Foods
Never feed your dog any of these dangerous foods, if your dog eats any of the following seek vet advice.
- Alcohol
- All nuts
- Avocados
- Chocolate/Cocoa/Cacao
- Caffeine
- Chives
- Currants
- Garlic
- Green tomatoes
- Grapes
- Onions
- Peanut butter with added sweeteners (only feed your dog natural peanut butter, check the packet)
- Rhubarb
- Raisins
- Sultanas
- Shallots
- Sweeteners
Walkies and Exercise
Different dogs require different levels of exercise and mental stimulation, this is my approximate guide exercising your dog.
- Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds (“winter/cold weather dogs”) – 30 to 60 minutes exercise per day plus 60 to 120 mins of mental stimulation/enrichment per day, heat sensitive dog so no strenuous exercise in extreme heat
- Shepherd/Working dogs (German Shepherds, Gun-dogs etc.) – 60 to 120 minutes exercise per day plus 60 to 120 mins of mental stimulation/enrichment per day
- Large dogs – 30 to 60 minutes exercise per day plus 60 to 120 mins of mental stimulation/enrichment per day
- Medium dogs – 30 to 60 minutes exercise per day plus 60 mins of mental stimulation/enrichment per day
- Small dogs – 30 to 60 minutes exercise per day plus 60 mins of mental stimulation/enrichment per day
Enrichment Ideas
Enrichment is vital to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. Proper enrichment can increase the life expectancy of your dog and decrease boredom and destructive behaviours.
- Slow treat feeders, puzzles and mazes (these make your dog work and problem solve for a food reward)
- Nuzzle mat (made from strips of fabric with treats hidden inside, making your dog sniff them out)
- Training (this not only makes for a well behaved dog but counts as enrichment!)
- Playing (fetch, frisbee, tug of war, rough play etc. also all counts as enrichment!)
- Treat hide and seek (good for dogs with a strong nose, hiding treats around the house and challenging your dog to seek them out)
Mainly Witterings 