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Table of Contents

Supplies

  • HEARTWORM PREVENTION & flea prevention (check out CAP's Cornelius Clinic for great prices on these necessary medications.  The clinic offers low-cost wellness and medications)
  • Food - only feed age-appropriate, high-quality dog food for dog size and age
  • Food dishes - always get separate water and food bowls that are not attached
  • Collar and ID tag, Rabies tag & microchip tag
  • Leashes
  • Kennel/Crate for housetraining & short-term confinement
  • Flea comb, dog brush, dog shampoo - dogs need to be groomed regularly
  • Carrier for small dogs
  • Nail clippers - nail trim instructions are given further in this guide
  • Dog toothbrush
  • Chew toys 
  • Dog bed
  • First aid emergency books such as The First Aid Companion for Cats and Dogs or Pet First Aid

 CAP's very own Pet Supply Store has new and gently used supplies, and buying from our store helps the Shelter with medical care of all of our animals. Check it out!

Feeding

Feed high-quality dry food to your dog once or twice per day in amounts recommended by your veterinarian. Limit safe extras (like cottage cheese or cooked egg) to 10% or less of the dog's diet. For large breed dogs (over 55 pounds), feed food formulated for large breeds, as they have increased nutritional requirements. You may want to purchase elevated dog bowls for large breed dogs, so your dog does not have to crane their neck down to eat, which can cause neck and back problems.

Feed puppy food to dogs less than one year old.... even if they look big, their bones are still growing and they need puppy food. Large breed (grow to be over 55 pounds) dogs who are less than one year old should be fed large breed puppy food, and likewise, small breed puppies should be given puppy food formulated for small breeds. If you are unsure as to your dog's estimated adult weight, ask your vet to give an estimate.