A properly balanced diet includes carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Dry dog foods are the least expensive maintenance diet for a healthy adult dog, who is relatively inactive and lives in comfortable conditions. But this diet may not contain an adequate percentage of high quality protein for growth or stress conditions. Semi-moist foods cost two or three times more than dry, and canned foods that contain high quality protein and fats are four or five times as expensive as dry foods. One of these higher cost diets is necessary when conditions demand a higher level of performance, for example, puppy growth and showing or competition. You may wish to combine dry and canned foods. Be sure to read ingredients and nutrition labels, and follow the charted instructions for proper quantities and feeding times, to avoid obesity. Puppies and older dogs will have altered diets.

• Exercise
• Dogs and Symptoms of Illness
• Dog Preventive Care
• Grooming

All dogs need some kind of regular daily exercise to keep in shape. The amount will vary according to size and genetics. Here are a few guidelines. Walking your dog is the most common form of exercise. In the city or suburbs, where dogs are indoors most of the time, a walk on a leash several times a day is necessary for sanity, as well as for exercise. Larger and more energetic dogs need longer walks or a free run in a large open space. If it's not possible to run your dog, play fetch, catch or tug of war. Don't exercise any dog strenuously less than two hours after it eats a large meal. Before embarking on a vigorous exercise or training routine, a dog should have a physical exam to rule out cardiac or circulatory problems and skeletal or joint disorders.

It is often very difficult for a caregiver to judge whether or not a pet requires veterinary care. Your dog may exhibit signs of pain, such as not being hungry, limping or sleeping excessively. Severe pain will be more obvious, as a dog may cry, collapse, hide, growl, snap, or pant excessively. If a dog is ill, there are obvious signs. The most obvious is a change in habits, personality or activity level. When concerned or simply in doubt, take your dog to see a veterinarian.

The best preventive medicine for dogs is periodic vaccination for serious infectious diseases, such as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and heartworm. Keep your dog's health records and stick to your veterinarian's recommended immunization schedule. Remember that puppies require regular immunizations every few weeks, but adult dogs typically require vaccinations annually.

Regular grooming is a good routine to establish with your dog. Not only will frequent brushing keep your dog clean and free from snarls; it will also do a great deal to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and free from problems. Grooming can also reveal abnormalities. Grooming usually entails brushing and combing, and on a less frequent basis, nails clipping, bathing and trimming. Once in a while, it's a good idea to do a thorough head to toe examination of your dog. Check his eyes, nose, ears, and mouth; lift his tail and look at the anal area for soreness, redness or dried fecal matter. Carefully look at his foot pads, which should be hard and leathery. Check his mouth and teeth. Healthy gums are pink and firm, and the teeth should be firm and free from any bad stains. Brush or clean your dog's teeth regularly with salt and baking soda to remove tartar and plaque. Any abnormalities discovered during this routine should be checked out with your veterinarian.