Dog Care Basics: Food, Exercise, Rest and Enrichment

We run the NicheStuff store; some links in this post go to products we sell.

A happy, healthy dog doesn’t need anything fancy. It needs the basics, done well and done every day: good food, enough exercise, things to think about, a comfortable place to rest and regular check-ups with a vet. This guide walks through each one, with practical tips you can start today, whether you’ve just brought home a puppy or you’ve shared your life with a dog for years.

Food and water

Choose a complete and balanced diet

Look for a dog food labeled “complete and balanced” for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult or senior). In the U.S., that statement means the food meets the nutrient profiles set by AAFCO. Large-breed puppies have their own needs, so choose a formula made for them if your puppy will grow into a big dog.

Measure meals

The feeding guide on the bag is a starting point, not a rule. Use a measuring cup, weigh your dog every few weeks, and adjust. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily without seeing them, and see a waist from above. Your vet can help you work out an ideal weight.

Go easy on extras

A common guideline is to keep treats and toppers to about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. A meal topper can make dry food more appealing for a picky eater, but count it as part of the day’s food.

Know the dangerous foods

Keep chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and anything sweetened with xylitol away from your dog. If your dog eats something it shouldn’t, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply).

Fresh, clean water should be available all the time. Wash the bowl daily.

Exercise

How much exercise a dog needs depends on age, breed and health. Many healthy adult dogs do well with somewhere between 30 minutes and two hours of activity a day. Working and herding breeds are usually at the top of that range, and many toy breeds and flat-faced breeds at the bottom.

• Mix it up: walks, fetch, tug, swimming and games with other friendly dogs all count.
• Let your dog sniff. A slow “sniffari” walk where your dog chooses the route is tiring and satisfying.
• Watch the weather. Walk early or late in summer, check pavement temperature with the back of your hand, and keep flat-faced breeds cool.
• Puppies and seniors: short, frequent sessions are better than long ones. Ask your vet before you start running with a young dog.

If your dog loves to run and jump, agility training is a great outlet.

Mental enrichment

Boredom is behind a lot of so-called bad behavior, like chewing furniture, digging and barking. A dog’s brain needs a workout too:

• Scatter part of a meal in the grass or on a snuffle mat.
• Use puzzle feeders and lick mats instead of a bowl now and then.
• Teach a new trick or practice basic cues for five minutes a day. Our obedience training guide covers where to start.
• Rotate toys so old favorites feel new. See our dog toy guide for safe picks by chew style.

Rest and a safe home

Adult dogs often sleep 12 to 14 hours a day, and puppies and seniors sleep even more. Give your dog a comfortable bed in a quiet spot that’s theirs, away from foot traffic and drafts. Dog-proof the house as you would for a toddler: secure trash cans, put away medications and cleaning products, and tuck cables out of reach.

Grooming

Every dog needs some grooming. Brush regularly (daily for long or double coats, weekly for most short coats), trim nails before they click on the floor, and check ears and teeth. Many vets recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily with a dog toothpaste. For a step-by-step routine, read our dog bathing and grooming guide.

Vet care and ID

• Check-ups: most adult dogs should see a vet at least once a year, and senior dogs often twice a year. Your vet will advise on vaccines, parasite prevention and dental care for your area and your dog’s lifestyle.
• Spay or neuter: talk to your vet about the right timing, which can depend on breed and size.
• ID: keep a tag with your phone number on your dog’s collar, and keep the microchip registration up to date.

When to call your vet

Call your vet promptly if you notice any of these: not eating for more than a day, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, trouble breathing, a swollen or tight belly, limping that doesn’t improve, drinking or urinating much more than usual, or sudden changes in behavior. A sudden change, like new aggression or hiding, can be a sign of pain. When in doubt, call. Your vet would rather hear from you early.

Time together

The most important part of dog care is you. Dogs are social animals and most don’t enjoy long hours alone. Daily walks, play, training and quiet time on the couch all build your bond. Learning to read your dog helps too; our guide to understanding dog behavior explains the main signals. And if you’d like your dog along on holidays, our road trip checklist covers safe car travel.

Our picks for everyday dog care

For mealtime

The Treat Topper Beef Dog Food Topper is a single-ingredient powdered beef topper from Farm to Pet. Sprinkle it on dry or wet food, or spread it on a lick mat. Just count it in your dog’s daily food.

For rest

The All-in-One Cat and Dog Bed is a cushioned bed that comes in sizes for small dogs up to larger ones, and gives your dog a cozy spot of their own.

For ID

The PetHub QR Pet ID Tag (Large) links to an online profile with your contact details, so whoever finds your dog can reach you fast.

FAQ

How often should I walk my dog?

Most dogs benefit from at least two walks a day, plus bathroom breaks. How long depends on age, breed and health. Ask your vet if you’re unsure.

How do I know if my dog is a healthy weight?

You should feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above and the side. Your vet can score your dog’s body condition at each visit.

Is it okay to give my dog table scraps?

Small amounts of plain, cooked lean meat or vegetables are usually fine for healthy dogs, but fatty, salty and seasoned foods can upset the stomach. Some foods, like grapes and onions, are toxic.