Dog Care

This is general guidance and not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your vet straight away.

Last updated 20 October 2026. Sources: PDSA, Blue Cross, RSPCA and The Royal Kennel Club (full list below).

Feeding

A good diet

PDSA vets recommend a good-quality, commercially made complete food that suits your dog's life stage – puppy, adult or senior. (PDSA) Fresh water should be available at all times. (PDSA)

Complete or complementary?

A complete food contains all the nutrients your dog needs. A complementary food (such as mixer biscuits, treats and dental chews) does not, and must be fed alongside other food. Mixers can look like complete biscuits, so read the label. (PDSA)

How much and how often

How much: start with the feeding guide on the pack, and weigh food with digital scales rather than a cup. Feed for your dog's ideal weight. (PDSA)
Adults: PDSA vets recommend splitting the daily amount into two equal meals. (PDSA)
Puppies and small dogs: may need feeding more often – up to four times a day. (PDSA) Stick to the breeder's food and routine at first, and change foods gradually. (PDSA)
Seniors: choose a food suited to their life stage. (PDSA)

Check body condition

Use your hands and eyes as well as the scales: you should be able to feel the ribs with a light touch, see a waist from the side and above, and the tummy should tuck up rather than bulge. Adjust the amount you feed if your dog is gaining or losing weight. (PDSA)

Foods to avoid

These can be dangerous or deadly for dogs. Keep them out of reach: (PDSA) (Blue Cross)

Chocolate – the darker it is, the higher the risk.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants – can cause kidney failure.
Xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar) – in some sugar-free gum, sweets, medicines and nut butters.
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives – can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia.
Macadamia nuts.
Bones – cooked or raw; cooked bones splinter more easily.
Alcohol and caffeine (tea, coffee, energy drinks).
Mouldy food and food waste, and blue cheese.

If your dog eats any of these, contact your vet straight away.

Treats and a healthy weight

PDSA recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily food allowance, and that you reduce their usual food by the same amount. You could set aside 10% of the day's food as treats. Play, a new toy or a groom can be a reward too. (PDSA) Avoid sharing your own meals and leftovers. (PDSA)

Exercise

How much exercise a dog needs depends on breed, age, health and fitness. Most dogs need at least one or two walks a day; working breeds need significantly more. (PDSA) Each breed's page on The Royal Kennel Club website gives its typical exercise needs. (Royal Kennel Club)

Puppies

Don't over-exercise puppies: their joints and growth plates are still developing. Most dogs are fully grown by about a year, but larger breeds can take 18 months to 2 years. Use play, short walks and training, and avoid running with them. (PDSA) The Royal Kennel Club suggests a rule of thumb of five minutes of formal exercise per month of age, up to twice a day, until fully grown (Royal Kennel Club); PDSA notes there is no scientific evidence behind this rule and it is not right for every puppy, so be guided by your puppy and your vet. (PDSA)

Seniors

Older dogs may need a little less exercise. (PDSA) Several short walks are usually better than one long one for puppies, older dogs and dogs with arthritis. (PDSA)

By breed type

Gundog, working and pastoral breeds were bred for work and generally need plenty of exercise and things to do; PDSA notes working breeds need significantly more than one to two hours. (PDSA)
Toy breeds and terriers vary a lot – check your breed's page. (Royal Kennel Club) Short legs still need exercise; just tailor the walk to the dog. (PDSA)
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs and Boxers: walking on the lead at a comfortable pace helps stop them getting over-excited and overheating. (PDSA) Noisy or fast breathing in a flat-faced dog is a sign of overheating. (RSPCA)

Heat safety

Never leave a dog in a car on a warm day, even in shade or with windows open. When it's 22°C outside, a car can reach 47°C within an hour. (RSPCA) If you see a dog in a hot car showing signs of heatstroke, dial 999. (RSPCA)
Hot pavements: put the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds – if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws. Walk early or late and use grass. (Royal Kennel Club)
Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, noisy breathing, excessive drooling, red gums and tongue, weakness, confusion, vomiting or diarrhoea, collapse and seizures. (RSPCA)
What to do: stop activity, move to shade, cool with water that is cooler than the dog (not over the head), fan them, then take them to the vet, calling ahead. (RSPCA)