Complete Pet Care Guide
Expert advice and practical tips to help you provide the best care for your beloved pets. From nutrition to grooming, we've got you covered.
Nutrition & Feeding Guidelines
Proper nutrition is the foundation of your pet's health and happiness
Daily Feeding Schedule
| Pet Age/Type | Meals per Day | Portion Size | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppies (8-12 weeks) | 4 meals | Small portions | Every 4 hours |
| Young dogs (3-6 months) | 3 meals | Medium portions | Morning, noon, evening |
| Adult dogs | 2 meals | Full portions | Morning and evening |
| Senior dogs | 2 meals | Smaller portions | Morning and evening |
| Cats (all ages) | 2-3 meals | Appropriate portions | Consistent timing |
Pet Nutrition Calculator
7-Day Food Transition Schedule
| Day | Old Food | New Food | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 75% | 25% | Monitor for digestive upset |
| 3-4 | 50% | 50% | Equal portions mixed |
| 5-6 | 25% | 75% | Mostly new food |
| 7+ | 0% | 100% | Complete transition |
Health & Wellness Monitoring
Stay proactive about your pet's health with regular monitoring and preventive care
Daily Health Checks
Eyes
- Clear and bright
- No discharge or redness
- No squinting or pawing
Ears
- Clean and odor-free
- No excessive wax buildup
- No scratching or head shaking
Nose & Mouth
- Moist nose (varies by pet)
- Clean teeth and gums
- Fresh breath
Behavior
- Normal appetite
- Regular energy levels
- Normal bathroom habits
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Urgent - Seek Immediate Care
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness or collapse
- Severe bleeding
- Signs of extreme pain
- Suspected poisoning
- Seizures
Requires Attention
- Loss of appetite for 24+ hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or behavior changes
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Persistent coughing
- Skin irritation or hot spots
Grooming & Hygiene Care
Regular grooming keeps your pet healthy, comfortable, and looking their best
Grooming Schedule by Pet Type
Short-Haired Dogs
- Brushing: 2-3 times per week
- Bathing: Every 6-8 weeks
- Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
- Teeth brushing: 2-3 times per week
Long-Haired Dogs
- Brushing: Daily
- Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks
- Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks
- Mat prevention: Daily attention
Cats
- Brushing: 2-3 times per week
- Bathing: As needed (rarely)
- Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
- Dental care: Regular monitoring
Grooming Techniques
Proper Brushing
Start with gentle strokes, working in the direction of hair growth. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting like behind ears, under arms, and legs.
Safe Nail Trimming
Cut only the white tip of the nail, avoiding the pink "quick" inside. If you're unsure, trim very small amounts frequently.
Dental Care
Use pet-specific toothpaste and brush gently in circular motions. Start slowly to help your pet get comfortable with the process.
Exercise & Activity Requirements
Regular exercise is essential for your pet's physical and mental well-being
Daily Exercise Guidelines
Small Dogs (Under 25 lbs)
- Duration: 30-60 minutes daily
- Activities: Walks, indoor play, short hikes
- Special notes: Avoid overexertion in hot weather
Medium Dogs (25-60 lbs)
- Duration: 1-2 hours daily
- Activities: Brisk walks, fetch, swimming
- Special notes: Mix of cardio and mental stimulation
Large Dogs (Over 60 lbs)
- Duration: 1.5-2+ hours daily
- Activities: Running, hiking, agility training
- Special notes: Joint-friendly surfaces preferred
Cats
- Duration: 10-15 minutes, multiple sessions
- Activities: Interactive toys, climbing, hunting games
- Special notes: Short bursts of intense activity
Fun Activity Ideas
Indoor Activities
- Hide and seek with treats
- Puzzle toys and food dispensers
- Stair climbing (for healthy pets)
- Interactive play sessions
- Training and trick practice
Outdoor Adventures
- Nature walks and hiking
- Beach or lake visits
- Dog park socialization
- Agility courses
- Fetch and frisbee games
Product Care & Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your pet products ensures safety, longevity, and optimal performance
Food & Water Bowls
Daily:
- Rinse and refill water bowls
- Remove uneaten food after 30 minutes
- Wipe down bowl exteriors
Weekly:
- Deep clean with pet-safe detergent
- Sanitize with diluted bleach solution
- Check for cracks or damage
Toys & Enrichment
Weekly:
- Inspect for wear and tear
- Clean with appropriate method for material
- Rotate toys to maintain interest
Monthly:
- Deep cleaning or replacement
- Inventory check and organization
- Remove damaged items immediately
Bedding & Comfort Items
Weekly:
- Wash removable covers
- Vacuum pet hair and debris
- Air out in sunlight when possible
Monthly:
- Deep clean entire bed
- Check for signs of wear
- Replace if hygiene cannot be maintained
Proper Storage Guidelines
Pet Food
- Store in cool, dry place
- Use airtight containers
- Check expiration dates regularly
- First in, first out rotation
Supplements & Medications
- Follow temperature requirements
- Keep in original containers
- Store away from children and other pets
- Monitor expiration dates
Safety & Prevention
Creating a safe environment is crucial for preventing accidents and keeping your pets healthy
Home Safety Checklist
Kitchen Safety
- Secure cabinets containing harmful substances
- Keep food scraps and garbage inaccessible
- Store knives and sharp objects safely
- Be aware of toxic foods (chocolate, grapes, onions)
Living Areas
- Secure electrical cords and outlets
- Remove or secure small objects that could be swallowed
- Ensure houseplants are pet-safe
- Install safety gates if needed
Outdoor Spaces
- Secure fencing and check for escape routes
- Remove toxic plants from yard
- Store garden chemicals safely
- Provide adequate shelter and water
Pet Emergency Kit Essentials
First Aid Supplies
- Bandages and gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Digital thermometer
- Emergency contact numbers
- Pet carrier for transport
Important Information
- Veterinarian contact details
- After-hours emergency clinic info
- Pet's medical history and medications
- Photos of your pet for identification
- Poison control hotline numbers
Need Personalized Advice?
Our pet care experts are here to help you create the perfect care routine for your specific pet's needs.