← Care guides

Dog care: feeding, exercise, rest and daily attention

The foundations of good dog care: suitable food, walks, mental activities, rest and clear arrangements with a sitter.

Updated on

Caring for a dog means more than feeding and walking. Your dog also needs a safe resting place, companionship, things to explore and care suited to their age, health and temperament. This guide helps you build a daily routine that both you and a sitter can follow.

Food that suits your dog

Choose complete dog food for the right life stage. Complete food and supplementary treats are not the same: a treat does not replace a balanced meal. Use the feeding guide as a starting point, include rewards and discuss quantities with your vet if you are unsure about your dog's condition.

Keep the routine familiar. Record which food you give, how you measure portions and which treats you use. Make sure clean drinking water is available. A sitter can follow these arrangements without devising a new feeding plan.

Moving, sniffing and thinking

Give your dog several opportunities each day to go outside and explore. A walk also gives your dog time to sniff and spend time with you. Adapt its length and demands to your dog; a young, older or recovering dog has different capabilities from a fit adult.

Alternate exercise with simple searching games or reward-based exercises. Start with something your dog can manage and stop before it becomes frustrating. For off-lead exercise and play, choose surroundings that are safe for your dog and others.

Rest is part of good care

Plan quiet periods between activities. Give your dog a comfortable place to lie undisturbed. Tell household members and visitors when your dog should be left to rest.

Observe what your dog enjoys. Some dogs enjoy plenty of attention; others prefer more time to themselves. A regular routine provides reassurance, but also check each day whether your dog is comfortable with the activity, noise and routine around them.

Grooming and daily checks

Grooming needs vary by coat type. If necessary, ask a groomer or vet to demonstrate a suitable approach. Introduce touch and brushing gradually; the Petbnb tips for making brushing more comfortable can help.

Get to know your dog's usual eating, movement and responses. Discuss changes with your vet and keep track of preventive care and any treatment instructions. A care guide does not replace an assessment of your individual dog.

Learn about your dog’s breed

Care needs can vary a great deal between dogs. The dog breeds and their care guides provide additional background on subjects such as grooming and activity. Use this information alongside what you know about your own dog.

For the daily handover, use the pet sitter checklist. Discuss food, walks, rest, handling and who the sitter can call. Also read how to compare dog sitting costs.

Sources