Recent estimates say there are 87 to 94 million pet dogs in the United States. More than 40% of U.S. households own at least one dog and that number keeps going up with 10 to12 million puppies born annually.
Dogs require consistent care – food, water, exercise, regular checkups with a veterinarian, grooming, and even mental stimulation. Let’s look at each of these categories and see what experts and pet owners have to say.
Nutrition and Hydration
Diet should be appropriate for the size, age, and activity level of the dog. Dog food manufacturers make food appropriate for active dogs that enjoy short hikes, runs, and playing outdoors; high-performing dogs that participate in sporting or working careers; dogs that tend to be overweight; and puppies. Food should be divided into two meals, morning and evening, to aid digestion. Portion control is important and should range from 2-4% of your dog’s body weight. Most experts encourage owners to limit table scraps and instead, offer healthy treats. Access to clean, fresh water should always be provided.
The Kuhle family has three large dogs – Avery Jo is a 14-year-old black lab mix. Mickey James is a 9-year-old English mastiff. Skiba Dan is a 3-year-old English mastiff. The mastiffs weigh over 150 pounds, and Avery tips the scale at about 70 pounds. “I feed them twice a day,” said Elizabeth Kuhle. “Avery gets 1.5 cups twice a day. The mastiffs get 3 cups of kibble twice a day. They eat Iams Large Breed daily but get lots of Aldi brand dog treats and often times table scraps from the kids. They also get a ton of water.”
Exercise and Training
To stay fit, dogs need regular exercise whether this is a daily walk or a play session. Dogs also need mental enrichment and training sessions. Dogs need to be socialized so they should be introduced to new environments, people, and other dogs. Safety commands are also important and should be part of your dog’s training. Dogs should be taught essential commands like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “come.” It is also important to train your dog to walk on a leash. The most crucial learning period for puppies is 6 to 16 weeks or as soon as you bring your dog or puppy home. If you are away from home or unable to exercise your dog, the Dubuque area has several agencies that can help with dog care.
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