Dog Essentials
Owning a dog is a rewarding responsibility that brings love, loyalty, and companionship. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes over 185 breeds, each with their own unique traits. A mixed-breed dog can be just as wonderful a companion.
New dogs need guidance, routine, and a safe space to feel secure. When introducing a dog to an existing pet, involve the whole household and allow time for a positive relationship to develop. Pet counsellors can also provide advice on care and behaviour.
Dogs can live between 10-15 years on average, though this can vary between different breeds. Typically, small breed dogs live longer than large breed dogs.
To provide a happy, healthy atmosphere for your dog, Petland recommends the following necessary and fun accessories. We have listed them as your dog's 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional, and Maintenance. When these needs are met, along with a loving environment provided by you, your new companion will be a member of your family for years to come!
ENVIRONMENTAL
Kennel – Dogs are den animals who benefit from having a space that they can retreat to. Here are 6 great reasons to provide a kennel for your dog or puppy:
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Security and comfort. In nature, dogs use dens for safety and shelter. When used properly, a kennel becomes a secure, relaxing space where a puppy feels safe and comfortable. Since dogs need a secure resting area, their kennel can become an important haven.
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Housebreaking. Dogs tend to avoid eliminating in their den. When combined with a good feeding schedule, a den becomes an important tool in the housebreaking process.
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Chewing and destructive behaviours. Dogs develop most lifelong habits during their first year, so supervision is important to prevent destructive behaviours. Puppies learn through immediate association, and bad habits formed early can be hard to correct. As a general rule, dogs under one year old should stay in their kennel when left unsupervised.
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Safety. Your home can be a dangerous place for an unsupervised, untrained dog. Dogs have been known to chew electrical cords, houseplants, household trash, and material that can be poisonous or cause injury.
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Travelling. Pets that are introduced to dens early on are much more comfortable while travelling. Air and motion sickness can be eliminated if your pet is well acclimated to a den.
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Illness. At some point your pet may need veterinarian treatment that calls for confinement during recovery. Pets that are not familiar with a den will become unnecessarily stressed when confined to a smaller area.
Bed – Offering your dog their own bed gives them a special place to relax and sleep. Placing a cozy mat in their kennel, and another bed in the area of your home that your family uses frequently, works well. This also sends a message that your furniture or bed is not their own.
Dog Gate and/or Play Pen – When a new puppy or dog is brought into the home, there may be rooms that they are not allowed to enter. A dog gate or play pen can be used as a physical barrier from these spaces. A play pen can also be used to create a safe space to leave your dog for the day.Â
BEHAVIOURAL
Toys – All dogs have a behavioural need to chew. It provides exercise, relieves tension and boredom, and cleans their teeth. You should offer your dog a variety of chew toys, at minimum one of each: soft (i.e. plush toy), medium (i.e. rope toy, vinyl toy) and hard (antlers, extreme toys). If they are not provided with their own toys, your clothing, shoes and furniture will fill this need. Rotate the toys and introduce new ones regularly so that they do not get bored.
Repellents – Petland has a wide variety of repellents to help pet owners overcome undesirable behaviours their new pet may exhibit. While indoor and outdoor repellents may deter the dog, it is important that the repellent is followed by human reinforcement. Verbally expressing dislike of what your dog is doing, removing them from the situation, and providing them with acceptable alternatives will be necessary. Scent, sound, and physical repellents are available. For more information, refer to our Basic Dog Training Tip Sheet. Â
NUTRITIONAL
Dog Food – A dog’s nutritional needs depend on age, breed, and activity level. When bringing home a new dog, continue feeding their current food to avoid stomach upset. Gradually transition to a premium diet after your new pet has settled into their new home. Feed measured meals twice daily based on package guidelines to help prevent obesity.
Diet Additives – Additives can encourage picky eaters, increase hydration, add nutrients, and make mealtime more enjoyable, even for dogs already eating a balanced diet. Apply the additive directly to the dry dog food. Goat’s milk contains probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, and has been known to help with many chronic ailments. Bone broth is excellent for joint health and digestion. Freeze dried, air dried, raw, or dehydrated foodsadd diverse nutrients and can be changed up with each meal. Talk to your pet counsellor to find out which diet additive is right for your dog.
Treats – Treats are a brilliantly useful reinforcement tool to use during training, and for your dog’s enjoyment. Select 3 different treats: a training treat that is small and quick to digest, a reward treat that can be cookie sized to enjoy, and a chewing treat which takes longer to consume, and is beneficial to their teeth.
Skin and Coat Supplement – This supplement is added to your dog's food to develop and maintain a healthy coat and to noticeably reduce shedding! Premium dog foods often will have the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your pet requires; however, with seasonal changes, most breeds will benefit from the addition of a coat supplement.
MAINTENANCE
Dishes – Choose bowls that are easy to clean and hard to knock over. Ceramic or stainless-steel work best, especially for moist foods, as plastic dishes tend to trap odours. For larger breed puppies and dogs, there are feeding dishes with adjustable levels so that they may eat in comfort.
Water should always be available. Most dogs tend to drink more if the water is fresh, clean, or moving. Consider getting a fountain water dish. Re-circulating water dishes have carbon filters that remove substances, providing fresh tasting, filtered water with a multitude of health benefits.
Oral Care – Periodontal disease (infections of the structures around teeth) is the most common clinical condition occurring in adult cats and dogs, with 80% showing signs by 5 years of age. Symptoms could include red & swollen gums, bad breath, pain, and tooth loss. The best defense to maintain oral health is brushing your dog’s teeth using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Rinses complement the brushing of teeth by ensuring the whole mouth receives attention. Because dogs can't rinse and spit, an easy-to-use drinking water additive is the ideal choice. Gels and foams can also be used. Specialized dental dog food and dental treats are also available, which help clean teeth through chewing action.
Dog Shampoo – How often do you bathe your dog? As often as necessary! Puppy shampoos are gentler and are meant for new skin and coats. Dog shampoos are required when they are grown. People shampoos are never recommended because they have a pH difference from puppy or dog shampoos. They often cause skin irritations and dull coats. Pet hair conditioners work wonders to reduce tangles along with adding a wonderful scent and softness to your dog's coat!
Brush and Comb – Whether you are adopting a puppy or a full-grown dog, it is wise to get them into the routine of daily grooming. The use of a rubber brush or glove for short-haired dogs works well. Medium to long-haired breeds should be groomed with both a slicker brush and a stainless-steel comb. For long hair, a de-matting tool is essential. Ask your pet counsellor which brushes and combs are right for your new companion.
Nail Clippers and Coagulant – Your dog's nails must be routinely clipped throughout their life. You must take care not to over trim or cut into blood vessels running through each nail. Keep a blood coagulant on hand in case this happens.
Leash, Collar, and Identification – The best way to ensure your dog's safety is to have them identified with a microchip or tattoo. This is usually done when they get altered at around six months old. As well, to make identifying your dog easier, you can make an engraved identification tag at most Petland stores and attach it to their collar.
A puppy collar is one that you can adjust as they get older. Some pet owners choose to use a harness. If your dog is more than a little exuberant, an anti-pull harness or head halter will provide more security than a collar. Many styles of leashes are available, including standard flat and extendable.Â
Poop Bags – There are many different styles of poop bags and holders. Some holders clip onto your leash, making the bags easily accessible when out and about!
Stain and Odour Remover – No matter the age or training level, your dog or puppy may have an accident or two. Having a specific pet stain and odour remover, especially one that is enzyme-based, will help stop the dog from returning to the soiled area. Household remedies, such as vinegar, just won't work.
Cleanliness and Safety
All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Young children, infants, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and the elderly are at greater risk of infections and should use caution when in contact with pets or their environments. Regular cleaning of your pet’s environment with a pet-safe cleaner may help avoid the spread of contaminants.
Hygiene procedures such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet and/or after having any contact with their habitat, is a necessary routine. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets.