Regular Vet Visits:

• Schedule annual check-ups. - never put them off.

• Keep vaccinations up to date.

• Monitor and maintain dental health - brushing teeth daily should a requirement as part of a daily routine, not an option.

• Trust your gut if you think something might be wrong - see your veterinarian.

Balanced Diet:

• Provide high-quality, nutritious food.

• Make sure you and everyone in your household understands what foods are safe for pets and which are potentially dangerous.

• Ensure access to fresh water at all times.

Exercise and Play:

• Ensure daily physical activity - walks, runs, etc.

• Engage in regular playtime - tug, hide and seek, fetch, etc.

• Provide mental stimulation with toys and puzzles.

Training and Socialization:

• Enroll in obedience training with a responsible trainer and/or train your dog yourself.

• Expose your dog to various environments and people, safely of course.

• Encourage positive behavior with rewards and consistency.

• Consistency is EVERYTHING. Make sure all people in your household are on the same page with training and what is allowed / not allowed.

Grooming:

• Regularly brush your dog’s coat and check their skin for any changes.

• Trim nails to a safe length to help prevent any discomfort or injuries.

• Bathe your dog as needed - but not too often.

Preventative Care:

• Use flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives year-round.

• Maintain a healthy weight as decided by your veterinarian.

Safety:

• Keep your dog on a leash AT ALL TIMES during walks and hikes. Just because your dog is well trained, friendly and a master of recall does not mean other dogs are.

• Ensure your yard is secure and regularly check for potential issues.

• Microchip your dog. No excuses.

• Make sure your dog always has on their collar and ID tags.

Comfortable Living Environment:

• Provide a cozy bed and safe, warm, loving space.

• Ensure your dog has shelter from extreme weather and heat.

• Keep the living area clean and free of hazards.

Affection and Attention:

• Spend quality time with your dog daily.

• Show love through training, playing and positive interactions. Try to be conscious of never putting them in a situation that would set them up for failure.

• Pay attention to your dog’s emotional needs - seek help from your veterinarian if you have any concern.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Have a plan for emergencies.

• Keep a pet first-aid kit handy in your home and car.

• Know the location of the nearest emergency vet clinic and make sure it’s posted somewhere in your home for everyone to access.

Routine and Stability:

• Maintain a consistent daily schedule as much as you can.

• Provide structure with regular feeding and exercise times.

• Be patient and understanding during changes or stressful situations. Keep in mind that they pick up on the feelings you have, so if you’re noticing that your dog seems stressed or overly excited - check in with yourself to see if they could potentially be feeding off of your energy.