Hooray for you for deciding to adopt a dog! Hopefully, this is the case. Know that by adopting a dog, especially if you have it in you to adopt an adult dog or even better, a senior one, you are giving that animal a new chance of enjoying well-deserved love and peace.
Now that we are all done with the congratulations, it might be a good idea to discuss some pressing issues that have to do with both your dog’s comfort and your own. Dogs thrive on schedule. That is why if we are talking about walking or feeding your dog, you need to think in schedules and fixed menus. It’s all about routine, a routine that sticks no matter what.
However, both feeding and walking depend on two characteristics, age, and breed. Let’s see exactly how these two influence the manner in which we raise our furry friends.
THE AGE DETAIL
Walking your dog
Indeed age can determine how often you take your dog out for a walk. Age sets dogs apart in three categories. You have puppies, adult dogs, and seniors. Based on the category your dog is part of, you can create a schedule and stick to it, no matter what.
Walking Puppies
After the first three months, during which your dog needs to stay inside in order for the shots to work their magic, you need to start walking your dog to house train it. Here is how things are going to go. Your puppy will need at least 6 walks/per day.
- As soon as you get up in the morning, preferably 6 AM.
- Right after breakfast
- After lunch, around noon
- The 4 PM walk
- After its third and last meal
- Just before bedtime.
If possible try to take your dog on walks every three hours. The most important ones are those right after its meals, as puppies have the habit of digesting food rather fast.
Also, if you have to go to work during the day and cannot go on walks all that often, you need to think of a crate and pads. These are great tools in house training your dog.
Walking Adult dogs
After their first birthday, your dog should already be accustomed to the idea of a schedule. But, since it has grown up, you can make certain adjustments to that schedule. For instance, you can walk your dog three times a day instead of six, but make sure your walks last at least 20 minutes.
However, if you enjoy going on walks and you have the time, you can do so as frequently as possible. Your furry friend will greatly appreciate it. Also, regular walks will help it get accustomed to the leash. So that’s a plus.
Walking Senior dogs
After the age of 7, your dog is considered a senior. This means that it will most likely start having all sorts of issues. For instance, German Shepherds start having problems with their joints as they get old. So, for them, long walks can be tricky.
Senior needs at least two walks a day. But at this age, you need to let your friend tell you when it’s potty time. They know the routine and surely they will send you signs. Still, two walks a day are essential.
You need to be aware of its health issues, though. For instance, some senior dogs might gain weight, so for them walks are a way to lose some of those extra pounds.
You are making the right schedule for your dog, in the case of seniors. Consider any recommendations from the vet and trust your dog and your instinct.
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Feeding your dog
Puppies
Your puppy will receive three meals a day until it has reached the 1-year threshold. The diet should be recommended by the vet and you should be able to find instructions for each dog food brand. The maximum quantity of food offered per day needs to be divided into three smaller meals so it can be better digested.
Adult dogs
The regular schedule includes two meals a day or one. The quantity is the same. You simply decide on how many meals you want your dog to have. Smaller meals, again, are recommended, because they can be easily digested.
Senior dogs
Their eating habit is a bit more complex in the sense that minding their existing health issues is essential in both establishing a schedule, a quantity and the actual dog food it is eating. Still, while in this category, the vet has a bigger saying, the rule of one meal per day stays in place.
THE BREED DETAIL
By mentioning breed in this debate, it doesn’t actually mean that we are going to take each breed and consider their feeding and walking habits. Although that would be nice, we would be staying here forever.
When mentioning breed, we actually mean active and sedentary breeds. For instance, the Border Collie, the Jack Russell, terriers, in general, are active, whereas the pug, the basset hound, or the English bulldog are pretty lazy dogs.
Walking active dogs
It is clear as day. Active dogs require longer and more frequent walks. So, if possible, try to take them on road trips, doggy play dates, basically help them get rid of all their energy.
Feeding active dogs
Active breeds have more energy, so they need more calories to function. This means that an active dog should receive more food, by 5%- 25% than normal dogs. Also, you need dog food with more proteins and fat. Don’t overdo it, though. And provide ways to consume all that energy and calories.
Walking lazy dogs
It’s not going to be a long talk here. Lazy dogs are, well, lazy. They will appreciate potty walks, as they need them, but frankly, going hiking may not be right up their alley. A nap in front of the fireplace is a different story of course.
Feeding lazy dogs
Because they don’t appreciate the idea of exercise, you need to pick out their food carefully. Go down on those calories and try to choose something light. Lazy dogs often have weight-related issues, so be careful.
Correctly feeding and walking your dog will help improve its life. Take care of your furry friend and mind its needs.
Woof, Woof, People!
