DOGS
In order to keep your dog healthy and happy, you need to provide him/her with the following:
FOOD
Puppies: Feed high-quality puppy food 3 to 4 times per day from 4 weeks - 4 months, and then move to 2 meals per day. Be sure to feed PUPPY FORMULA food until your puppy is at least 12 months old. For proper food serving portions, refer to the instructions on the bag of puppy food. Weaning puppies from nursing on mom can start around 6 weeks of age and be completed by 8 weeks of age.
Adults: Feed high-quality dog food 2 times per day. For proper food serving portions, refer to the instructions on the bag of dog food.
WATER
Your dog should always have access to fresh, clean water. Wash and refill your dog's water bowl daily.
Drinking water is just as important for your dog as it is for you. If your dog does NOT get enough water, he/she may suffer from kidney damage, liver damage, joint pain, digestion problems, overheating (in the summer), and much more.
BASIC SUPPLIES
FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
COLLAR: Make sure your dog’s collar fits properly. You should be able to put two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck.
IDENTIFICATION TAG (with your telephone number on it in case your dog gets lost)
LEASH
TOYS: Toys are a great way to provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation. Toys will keep your dog busy so that he/she is unlikely to chew your furniture or even your shoes. Toys that don’t have parts a dog can swallow are best.
PLACES TO SLEEP
A dog’s bed is a source of comfort. If you do not have a dog bed, get some soft pillows and blankets and make one. He/she will LOVE it! Be sure to wash his/her bedding often.
EXERCISE
Dogs need lots of exercise, especially when they are young. Be sure to take him/her on walks or let them out into the backyard to run in your fenced yard. Also, play with your dog! They love your attention.
GROOMING
Your dog’s basic grooming needs include nail trimming, brushing, bathing, dental hygiene and ear cleaning.
CRATE OR DOGHOUSE
Crates allow you to confine your dog to a specific place, so he/she does not get hurt (or do naughty things).
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he/she needs a doghouse to keep warm in the winter and stay out of the sun in the hot summer months. It is very important to ensure that the doghouse has the proper level of ventilation, or else your dog could get very sick.
CATS
In order to keep your cat healthy and happy, you need to provide him/her with the following:
FOOD
Kittens: Feed high-quality kitten food until they are at least one year of age. You can start feeding your kitten soft/wet food at about 4 weeks old. A meat-based canned kitten food is ideal for this time. As they grow used to eating wet/soft food and their teeth continue to develop, begin to mix in dry food softened with a bit of water. Gradually increase the amount of dry food over several days, paying attention to the feeding instructions on the back of the kitten food bag. Weaning kittens from nursing on mom can start around 6 weeks of age and be completed by 8 weeks of age.
Adults: Feed high-quality cat food. From age six months to maturity, most cats will do well when fed two times a day. Once the cat becomes an adult, at about one year, feeding once or twice a day is appropriate in most cases. Senior cats, age seven and above, should maintain the same feeding schedule. For proper food serving portions, refer to the instructions on the bag of cat food.
WATER
It is important to provide fresh, clean water at all times, and wash and refill your cat’s water bowl daily.
BASIC SUPPLIES
FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
COLLAR (if your cat goes outside) Make sure your cat’s collar fits properly. You should be able to put one finger between the collar and the cat’s neck.
IDENTIFICATION TAG (with your telephone number on it in case your cat gets lost)
SCRATCHING POST: Cats need to scratch! When a cat scratches, the old outer nail sheath is pulled off and the sharp, smooth claws underneath are exposed. Cutting your cat’s nails every two to three weeks will keep them relatively dull and less likely to harm the arms of both humans and furniture. Provide your cat with a sturdy scratching post. The post should be stable enough that it won't wobble during use and should be covered with rough material such as sisal, burlap or tree bark. Many cats also like scratching pads.
TOYS: Toys are a great way to provide your cat with mental and physical stimulation. Toys that don’t have parts a cat can swallow are best.
GROOMING
You should brush or comb your cat regularly. Frequent brushing helps keep your cat's coat clean, reduces the amount of shedding and cuts down on yucky hairballs.
HANDLING
To pick up your cat, place one hand behind the front legs and another under the hindquarters. Lift gently. Never pick up a cat by the scruff of the neck or by the front legs.
PLACES TO SLEEP
A cat’s bed is a source of comfort. If you do not have a cat bed, get some soft pillows and blankets and make one. He/she will LOVE it! Be sure to wash his/her bedding often.
LITTER BOX AND LITTER
All indoor cats need a litter box, which should be placed in a quiet, accessible location. Keep in mind that cats won't use a messy, smelly litter box, so scoop solid wastes out of the box at least once a day. Once a week, it is best to dump out all of the litter, wash the box with a mild detergent, and refill the box with clean litter. Do NOT use ammonia, deodorants or scented cleaners when cleaning the litter box.
