If you feel like you have a million questions about taking care of your new dog, don’t worry! We’ve got your back. We’ve rounded up the basics to start you off strong. Remember: Every pup is different, so always ask your vet for specific advice.
Vet Visits – Got a new dog? Congrats! Whether you just became the parent of a puppy or adopted an adult dog, you should take them to see a veterinarian to check out their health. Dogs can get infected with all kinds of icky illnesses like rabies, parvo, and distemper. Your first line of defense: vaccines!
Puppies need their first vaccines when they’re between six and eight weeks old. Then, they should get two more rounds a couple weeks apart. Once they’re adults, dogs usually go to the vet once a year for a wellness check and booster shots. Senior dogs are more likely to have health issues, so bringing them in for a checkup twice a year can be better. If something feels off, always ask the vet. No concern is too small when it comes to your dog’s health.
Spaying/Neutering – According to the ASPCA, around 3 million dogs entered shelters and rescues in 2024. Keeping your dog from having puppies helps cut down the number of dogs needing homes. That way, more people adopt from shelters—giving more rescue pups a chance to find their forever families! Smaller breeds can be neutered or spayed at six to nine months old. Larger breeds mature later, so it can be safer to wait until they are 12-18 months old. Talk to your vet about the timing, benefits, and risks of spaying or neutering.
Parasites – Some common parasites in dogs are fleas, ticks, heartworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Gross! Parasites can cause serious sickness, so prevention is key. To keep biting pests away from your pup, use regular flea and tick topicals and keep your yard trimmed. To prevent internal parasites, make sure there’s no still water in your yard. Routine exams at the vet help to catch parasites before they can cause too much harm.
Grooming – Grooming your dog keeps them looking, smelling, and feelin’ good! Full grooming sessions for puppies can wait until they’re six months old. Before that, it’s a good idea to take them in for a short appointment to get used to the setup so it’s not as scary in the future. You can use a warm washcloth without soap to keep your puppy clean until they’re around three months old.
Every so often, bring your dog in for a professional grooming appointment, AKA spa day! The groomer will give your pup a bath, haircut, nail trim, and clean the ears and around the eyes. This not only gets them squeaky clean but keeps their hair and skin healthy. Single-coated dogs should see a groomer every 4 to 8 weeks. Double-coated dogs can go 8 to 12 weeks since their long hair is actually good for them! It keeps them cool and protects their skin—so it should never be shaved, only trimmed.
Grooming at home is important, too! Brush your pup multiple times a week and bathe them in between grooming appointments. Make sure to use the right shampoo for your dog’s age and coat type. Once you can hear the tell-tale clicking of your pup’s nails on the floor, it’s time for a nail trim. Remember to go slow! Some pups can be a little squirmy when they get their nails trimmed. Dog nail clippers with guards are a great option, and nail grinders are super safe (but can be pretty noisy).
Dental Health – Pups can’t hold a toothbrush in their paws, so we need to help them out! Over 80% of dogs have symptoms of dental disease by age three, so that’s why we need to get on top of dog dental care early!
Brushing your pup’s teeth daily using a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste is important. Adult dogs should get professional dental cleanings about once a year, depending on the breed. Human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs, so find a dog-safe brand. If you don’t have time for daily brushing or your dog isn’t a fan of the toothbrush, try out dental treats. Minties® make daily dental care easy! They freshen breath and clean teeth by scraping off plaque and tartar while your dog chews. Plus, they’re a yummy treat for your pup.
Diet – Speaking of treats, what should your dog’s diet look like? Every dog is different, but we’ll cover some tips that apply to every breed. Look for labels that say, “complete and balanced.” This means the food has all of the needed nutrients at the right levels for a dog’s diet. Feed your dog evenly split meals two or three times a day.
As a general rule, keep treats under 10% of a dog’s daily calories. This means that the same treat for a bigger dog might be fine, but it could be way over what a little dog should have.
Exercise – From the high-energy athlete to the laid-back lazybones, every dog needs exercise. Mellow breeds like shih tzus, mastiffs, and English bulldogs are good with around 30 minutes of exercise each day. However, more active breeds like Vizslas and Weimaraners need a minimum of two hours a day to stay healthy.
Puppies have tons of energy, but it usually comes in short bursts. To keep your puppy active, try short and easygoing playtimes with lots of rest after. Activity for adult dogs depends on their breed and health. If you have a sporting or working breed, try high-intensity activities like running and hiking. Remember to take breaks often. Dogs need to recharge and get some water just like we do, especially during intense activity and when it’s hot out.
Caring for a dog is a big job, but definitely a fun one! Becoming a pet parent means stepping into a life of laughter, loyalty, and lots of playtime. From choosing the right food to keeping them clean, you’re ready to shape a world where your dog feels safe and loved. You’ve got this!