10 Essential Dog Care Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know
Owning a dog is a rewarding experience, but ensuring they receive the best care requires knowledge and commitment. Whether you're a new dog owner or looking for ways to enhance your pet’s well-being, these top 10 dog care tips will help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
1. Provide a Balanced Diet
Feeding your dog a high-quality, well-balanced diet is essential for their overall health. Look for dog food rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Avoid foods with artificial additives or fillers, as these can lead to digestive issues and allergies.
Consult your vet to determine the best diet for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Fresh, whole-food diets or vet-approved raw diets can be beneficial for some dogs, but always ensure they meet nutritional standards. Hydration is just as important, so always provide fresh, clean water throughout the day.
2. Regular Exercise is Key
Dogs need daily exercise to stay fit and mentally stimulated. Whether it's a walk exploring some of Godalming’s scenic trails, a run in the park, or an agility session, regular activity helps prevent obesity and behavioural problems. Different breeds require different levels of exercise. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labradors need more intense workouts, while smaller or brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs) may require shorter, gentler sessions.
Varying the type of exercise keeps it exciting for your dog. Activities like swimming, structured play (fetch, tug-of-war), and hiking engage different muscles and prevent boredom. Always be mindful of weather conditions- avoid strenuous activity in extreme heat and ensure your dog stays warm in winter.
3. Routine Grooming & Hygiene
Regular grooming keeps your dog clean and healthy. The frequency depends on breed and coat type. Short-haired dogs may only need occasional brushing, while long-haired breeds require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Grooming isn’t just about aesthetics—it helps distribute natural oils that keep the coat healthy and reduces shedding.
Brushing: Helps remove loose fur and prevents matting.
Bathing: Use dog-friendly shampoo and bathe only when needed to avoid stripping natural oils.
Nail Trimming: Overgrown nails can cause pain and posture issues; trim regularly or use a grinder.
Ear Cleaning: Essential for floppy-eared breeds prone to infections.
Paw Care: Check for cuts, irritation, or debris stuck between paw pads.
4. Keep Up with Veterinary Check-Ups
Regular vet check-ups are vital for preventative care. Annual exams help detect underlying health conditions early, ensuring your dog stays healthy for years to come. Essential aspects of veterinary care include:
Vaccinations: Core vaccines include distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus (DHP), and leptospirosis (L4 or L2, depending on vet recommendation). Rabies vaccination is only required if traveling abroad.
Parasite Prevention: Fleas, ticks, and worms can cause severe health issues. Use vet-recommended preventatives year-round.
Dental Health Checks: Gum disease is common in dogs; regular exams and dental cleanings are crucial.
Senior Dog Screenings: As dogs age, they may require blood tests or mobility assessments to maintain their quality of life.
If your dog shows sudden behavioural changes, weight loss, excessive thirst, or lethargy, a vet visit should be scheduled immediately.
5. Socialisation & Training
Socialisation doesn’t just mean meeting lots of other dogs—it also includes exposure to different noises, surfaces, people, and experiences they’ll encounter daily. Helping your dog learn to be neutral around new situations reduces anxiety and encourages good behaviour.
Activities like calmly observing busy areas, walking on different surfaces (e.g., metal grates, sand, or grass), and experiencing gentle petting from strangers can all contribute to a well-rounded, confident dog. Positive reinforcement training helps build good behaviour and strengthens your bond.
For breeds with strong instincts, breed-specific training classes or fun training sessions can be incredibly fulfilling. If you have a gundog but don’t want to attend traditional gundog classes, activities like scent work or retrieving games can satisfy their natural instincts.
6. Provide Mental Stimulation
Dogs need mental exercise just as much as physical activity. Puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience training can help keep their minds active and prevent boredom-related behaviours like chewing and excessive barking. Interactive feeders, snuffle mats, Licki Mats, and Kong toys filled with treats can provide excellent enrichment. You can even create homemade snuffle games using upside-down cups, cardboard loo rolls, or treats wrapped in old tea towels.
Another great activity is a ‘sniffari walk’ where your dog is allowed to sniff everything they want to! Smell is one of a dog’s most powerful senses, and allowing them to explore the world through their nose is both calming and enriching. Studies show that sniffing lowers a dog's heart rate and provides mental stimulation, making sniffaris an essential part of a well-rounded routine.
7. Maintain Dental Health
Dental hygiene is often overlooked but is crucial to preventing gum disease and bad breath.
Regularly brush your dog's teeth with dog-friendly toothpaste and offer dental chews to support oral health. You can also provide non-weight-bearing raw bones (like raw beef ribs) or frozen carrots as a safe chewing alternative. Other excellent options include dental sticks or enzymatic chews designed to reduce plaque buildup.
Bad dental health can lead to serious health issues, including infections that affect the heart and kidneys.
8. Safe & Comfortable Living Environment
Ensure your home is dog-proofed, especially for puppies. Provide a designated safe space where your dog can retreat and relax without being disturbed—this could be a cosy corner with their bed, a covered crate, or a quiet room.
Dogs feel secure knowing they have a place to unwind, and it’s important to reinforce that this space is just for them. Make it inviting with soft blankets, familiar scents, and perhaps some calming music to create a stress-free zone.
9. Recognise Signs of Illness
Being aware of changes in your dog's behaviour, appetite, or energy levels can help you detect health problems early. Signs like excessive scratching, sudden weight loss, or changes in bathroom habits should be addressed immediately. Regular health monitoring can prevent minor issues from becoming severe.
10. Consider a Reliable Pet Sitter for When You’re Away
If you travel or work long hours, hiring a trusted pet sitter in Godalming, Haslemere, or surrounding Surrey areas ensures your dog receives proper care and companionship. Sit & Stay Godalming offers drop-in visits and pet sitting services to keep your furry friend happy and stress-free while you’re away.
Why Choose Sit & Stay Godalming for Your Dog’s Care?
Fully insured & DBS-checked for peace of mind
Experienced with all breeds and temperaments
Personalised care tailored to your dog’s needs
Updates & photos sent straight to your phone
Serving Godalming, Haslemere, Milford, Chiddingfold, and surrounding Surrey villages
How to Book Professional Pet Sitting Services in Surrey
Looking for a dog sitter in Surrey? Contact Sit & Stay Godalming today via WhatsApp, Instagram, or our website to schedule a free meet & greet!