Dog Parent Guide

Everything You Need 1. Essentials

To Know About Being 2. Food & Water Guide
A DOG PARENT 3. Training

4. Vaccinations, Deworming,
Defleaing Guide

5. Neuter / Spay Guide

6. Grooming

7. Activity and Exercise

8. Poisonous & Hazardous Items

for Dogs
Essentials
 Chew toys-
Dog leash & Food dish & Dirt pick-up
Bigger than
body harness. water bowls. bags.
the mouth

Shampoos Dog toothbrush Carrier for Dog

as per coat & dog unvaccinated bed/pillow
requirement toothpaste. puppies

Grooming brushes
Food supplies-wet/dry/homemade
as per coat
as nutritionally guided by the veterinarian.
requirement
Food &
Water Guide
Dogs less than 6 months of age should be fed 5-6 times a day. The frequen-
cy should transition to 2 times a day as they approach adulthood.

Quantity should be determined only as recommended by your vet based on

their age and weight.

Knowing how to interpret the feeding chart is an essential skill for pet par-
ents.

Commercial food is the optimal option for your dog as it offers a well-formulated diet, providing all
essential nutrients in recommended quantities for every meal, alleviating concerns about separate
supplementation.

If you opt for homemade food, consult your vet about necessary supplements for your puppy.

Establish fixed feeding times with a 4-hour interval between meals. Puppies are typically hyperactive
and require more frequent energy sources. Additionally, their growth stage demands increased food
intake, so it's natural for the recommended quantity of food to decrease as your puppy approaches
adulthood, in accordance with dietary charts and your vet's advice.
When changing food brands, it's crucial to introduce the new food gradually over a 10-day period.
Begin by replacing 10% of the original food with the new one, then incrementally increase the propor-
tion of new food by 10% each day over the course of 10 days.

To adjust feeding timings and reduce meal frequency, implement gradual changes over 10 days, while
maintaining one original feeding time and adjusting the rest to suit both your schedule and your dog's
needs.

Avoid feeding table scraps, as human food often contains ingredients toxic to dogs. Even if the food is
safe for canine consumption, human food tends to be high in fats, making it appealing to dogs. Encour-
aging begging for food can lead to obesity and related health issues.

Treats should be limited to 1-2 times a day, as they are typically high in fat content and can contribute
to obesity and associated health problems. During training sessions, use their regular kibble as treats.

Refrain from feeding raw meat, fish, or eggs; always cook them without adding salt or other spices.
Water
Always provide a fresh bowl of water for your dog.

Ensure it is replaced every 3-4 hours if left

unconsumed.

If your dog tends to drink less water, consider

adding water to their kibble to maintain proper
hydration.

Other sources such as coconut water or watery

fruits like watermelon or muskmelon can be offered,
but only in moderation and after consulting with
your vet.
Training
It's crucial to commence training as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Training assists in managing your pet's behavior and health in a constructive manner, without causing
stress for either you or your pet.

Obedience constitutes a significant aspect of training. Your dog must learn to heed your commands,
which can prevent them from engaging in hazardous situations such as running into the street,
consuming harmful substances, or reacting aggressively when feeling threatened.

Training aids in fostering and sustaining a calm temperament in your dog.

Remember, positive reinforcement methods are consistently more

effective than negative approaches(such as instilling fear).

Utilize online videos to observe training techniques in action.

Essential Areas To Train Your Dog
Learning to come to you when they are called.

Listening to your commands of ‘no’,‘stay’,’sit’,’drop’,‘stay back’,etc.

Training them to sit still while brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, trimming their nails. These seem
like small things, but can be a source of great stress for a lot of dogs.

Training them to be tolerant towards accepting medication. This is helpful while administering deworm-
ing tablets, or medications required due to sickness etc. Make sure to take help from your veterinarian
and learn safe ways to administer meds at home. Your doctor might suggest giving supplements to help
your puppy get used to meds.

Helping them socialize in different settings-must be done only after all vaccinations are completed.
Help them be fear free about vet visits by making it fun. Most dogs develop a fear only after they are
adults and their essential visits to the vet reduce in frequency, making it an unknown space for them.
You can take them to the vet’s clinic whenever possible just to help them socialize with the doctor, the
handlers, the staff and the space. Play with them in the space, give them a treat, follow it up with a visit
to the park.
Vaccinations,
Deworming,
Defleaing Guide
Vaccines
It is of utmost importance to vaccinate your
puppy to bolster their immunity and ensure their
safety and well-being.

It is crucial to keep them in an environment free

from potential contaminants until they have
completed their primary core vaccines, which
typically takes 3-4 months.

Remember, your puppy is highly susceptible to

infections during this period, and all precautions
must be taken seriously.
Precautions
Wash your hands and feet before handling your puppy, and change clothes upon returning home from
outside.

Avoid letting them chew on outdoor shoes, bags, or other items that may carry contaminants.

If you have come into contact with other animals outdoors, be sure to sanitize your hands.

Refrain from taking them for walks.

If you need to transport them outside or to the vet, ensure they are securely placed in a carrier.

At the veterinarian’s, keep them confined to the carrier except when on the examination table. Do not
allow other people with pets to touch your puppy. Vet clinics can pose a risk of infection due to the pres-
ence of sick animals.

Avoid socializing with other animals. If you have other pets, keep your puppy in a separate room isolated
from them until completing the vaccination schedule. Only introduce them to other pets post-vaccina-
tion completion.
CORE
(DHPPi):
Protects against Canine Distemper Virus, Canine Adenovirus Type-2, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine
Parainfluenza Virus. First shot at 6 weeks, followed by 2 booster shots 2-4 weeks apart. Annual boosters
are necessary for lifelong protection.

These diseases are commonly transmitted through fomites like stools, saliva, and droplets from infected
animals, and they're highly contagious.

ARV:
Anti-Rabies Vaccine shields against rabies, transmitted via bites from infected animals and posing zoo-
notic risks. First shot at 12 weeks, with a booster after 4 weeks, followed by annual boosters

Lepto:
Anti-Rabies Vaccine shields against rabies, transmitted via bites from infected animals and posing zoo-
notic risks. First shot at 12 weeks, with a booster after 4 weeks, followed by annual boosters
Given India's tropical climate, where these diseases are endemic, annual core vaccine boosters are crucial.
Non-core Vaccines:
Kennel Cough:
Protects dogs against kennel cough, commonly transmitted in shelters and boardings. Administered via
the nose in a single dose. No zoonotic potential.

Coronavirus
Guards against coronavirus. First shot at 6 weeks, followed by a booster after 2-4 weeks. No zoonotic po-
tential. While less common in Indian dogs, consult your vet as disease prevalence can vary by region.
Deworming:
Deworming should be conducted every 15 days until your puppy reaches 3 months of age, followed by
monthly deworming until they are 6 months old. After reaching 6 months of age, deworming should be
done once every 3 months. Initially, your puppy will receive deworming syrup until reaching a certain
weight and age, at which point they will transition to deworming tablets.

Tick and Flea prevention:

For puppies below 3 months of age:

Tick/flea combs: Regularly run a comb through your pet's fur to detect any ticks or fleas.
In case you find any, take them to the vet, when they may suggest using anit-parasitic powder.

For puppies above 3 months of age and adult dogs:

Spot-on treatments: Monthly or quarterly application of anti-parasitic medication along your pet's neck.
Consult your vet for guidance on the process, precautions, and suitable brands for both cats and dogs.
Alternative for adult dogs:

Chewable anti-parasitic medication: Administered biannually to protect your dogs against ticks, fleas,
and other parasites for six months. Price can be a point of issue.

Neuter / Spay Guide:

Male dogs must be neutered after they have reached adulthood.
Female dogs must be spayed after their first heat.

Make sure to make an appointment to talk to your vet about the details of the pre-admission procedure,
the surgery, admission, post-op care and medications.
Adantages of Spaying or Neutering your Dog:
Prevents unwanted pregnancies: Spaying (for females) and neutering (for
males) eliminate the risk of unplanned litters, helping to control pet over-
population.

Reduces risk of certain cancers: Spaying and neutering can significantly

decrease the likelihood of reproductive cancers, such as mammary gland
tumors, ovarian cancer, and testicular cancer.

Prevents behavioral issues: Neutering male dogs can reduce behaviors

such as roaming, marking territory, and aggression. Spaying females can prevent behaviors associated
with heat cycles, such as restlessness and attracting unwanted attention from male dogs.

Promotes better health: Spaying and neutering can help prevent certain reproductive-related health
problems, such as uterine infections (pyometra) and prostatic diseases.

Increases lifespan: Spayed and neutered dogs tend to live longer, healthier lives due to the reduced risk
of reproductive diseases and certain cancers.
Grooming
 Grooming serves not only to maintain your dog's basic hygiene but also to safeguard them
against ear, skin, and dental infections. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to moni-
tor your pet's overall health

Ear Cleaning
Ear cleaning should be performed every 15-20 days, depending on the buildup of earwax. Always use
ear cleansers; never attempt to remove earwax with dry cotton. Dampen a cotton ball with the ear
cleanser, ensuring to gently scoop out dirt from the ears, only going as deep as your finger allows.
Repeat if necessary, then gently dry any remaining cleanser with a dry cotton ball.

Brushing their teeth

Brush your dog’s teeth as frequently as possible (up to twice a day, like us humans) to prevent gum
disease that can damage the heart, liver and kidneys and the need for costly professional teeth
cleanings or mouth surgeries. Plaque hardens to tartar in just a few days, and tartar can only be re-
moved during a professional teeth cleaning by a veterinarian. Small dogs are especially prone to
teeth issues, as their teeth tend to be more crowded than larger dogs’.
 Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Never use human toothpaste,
which can be toxic to dogs

Nail Trimming
Prevent pain and paw damage in your dog by trimming their nails before they touch the ground. Most
dogs will require a nail trim every 3-4 weeks.

Trim the part of the nail that curves downward and avoid the quick (the pink area visible on a white
nail), as cutting it may cause bleeding. If your dog has dark nails, trim gradually until you detect the
quick in the center of the nail, then cease trimming.

It's crucial to exercise extreme caution during nail trimming, as cutting a blood vessel could result in
profuse, uncontrollable bleeding. If you're unsure, it's best to have a professional groomer handle it for
you.
 Bathing and Brushing
Depending on your dog’s coat type:

For short, smooth, or wiry coats, brush them once a week with a rubber-bristled brush to evenly dis-
tribute skin oils through the fur.

For long, silky, or curly coats, brush them daily with a rubber-bristled brush or wire slicker brush, fol-
lowed by a steel comb if necessary, to prevent tangles, mats, and remove debris.

If your dog has a double coat, gently de-shed them once a week using an undercoat rake or
de-shedding tool, in addition to their regular brushing routine.

Bathe your dog every 2-4 weeks, depending on how dirty they get. Water can exacerbate mats, so
brush your dog before bath time. Use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs, being careful to
avoid their eyes and ears. Use a damp cloth or cotton ball to wipe away outer eye discharge and
gently clean outer ear wax. Never insert anything into your dog’s eyes or ears. Dogs with floppy ears
are more prone to ear infections, so watch for signs such as redness, discharge, odor, or pawing at the
ears. Consult a veterinarian if needed.

After bathing, dry your dog with a microfiber towel and/or a hair dryer on a low setting. Move the
dryer in a back-and-forth motion, holding it away from your dog’s skin to prevent burns.
Activity and
Exercise
How much exercise your dog needs depends on their age, breed, and health. Puppies require less exercise
compared to adult dogs, as excessive activity can harm their developing joints.

Recommended Exercise:

Dogs typically need at least 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be achieved through a couple of
30-minute walks, adjusted based on your schedule and your dog's energy level. Energetic breeds may
require longer sessions. Insufficient exercise can lead to behavioral issues

Activity Ideas:

Walking: Explore hiking trails, woodland paths, or dog-friendly beaches.

Playdates: Arrange meet-ups with canine companions for exercise.
Dog parks: Allow your dog to roam off-leash(only if trained to be off-leash) in a secure, enclosed area
with other vaccinated dogs, away from strays.
Brain games: Stimulate your dog's mind with food puzzles, activity toys, and teaching new tricks.
Common Activities to Avoid:

Playing with objects smaller than their mouth that pose a risk of ingestion.
Playing with sticks or bones that could splinter and cause mouth injuries.
Exercise your dog immediately after eating, especially for large breeds, to prevent Gastric Dilatation
and Volvulus, a life-threatening condition requiring surgery.
Over-exerting your dog beyond their physical capacity.

Dogs with Low Exercise Tolerance:

Brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and shih tzus due to their short noses.
Long-haired, double-coated breeds, which can overheat.
Poisonous &
Hazardous
Items for Dogs
Chocolate Grapes & raisins Raw meat, fish, eggs
Onion Caffeine products-tea,coffee Sugary foods, drinks
Garlic Bones Salt
Xylitol(human toothpaste, gum, Seeds and pits of fruits Human medications
candy, artificial sweeteners)

Contrary to popular belief, bones pose a significant threat to dogs, particularly puppies. Improperly
crushed bones while chewing can become lodged in the mouth or throat, or cause fatal injuries if ingest-
ed along the digestive tract.

Many dogs have a habit of picking up stray objects with their mouths. While some simply examine and
play, others may ingest items, even if unintentionally. To prevent such situations, always ensure they are
playing with toys larger than the size of their mouths.