Dog owners ask the same questions constantly but rarely find clear, honest answers in one place. We've compiled the most searched dog care questions with straight answers — no fluff, no unnecessary vet disclaimers where common sense is sufficient.
Feeding Questions
How many times a day should I feed my dog?
Adult dogs: twice daily, 8–12 hours apart. Puppies under 6 months: 3–4 times daily. Senior dogs: twice daily with smaller portions if appetite has decreased. Once daily feeding is not recommended — it increases bloat risk and leaves dogs hungry for extended periods.
How do I stop my dog eating too fast?
Three effective options: a snuffle mat ($27.99) for dry kibble, a lick mat ($22.99) for wet food, or a slow feeder bowl. The snuffle mat is the most effective — it extends a 30-second bowl meal to 15–20 minutes of nose work.
What human foods are toxic to dogs?
The key ones every owner must know: grapes and raisins (kidney failure), xylitol (liver failure — found in sugar-free products), chocolate (theobromine toxicity), onions and garlic (red blood cell damage), macadamia nuts (neurological symptoms), alcohol (obvious), cooked bones (splintering risk). When in doubt, don't feed it.
Can dogs eat peanut butter?
Yes — plain, unsalted peanut butter without xylitol is safe in moderate amounts. Always read the label. Many sugar-free peanut butters contain xylitol which is severely toxic to dogs. Natural peanut butter with just peanuts as the ingredient is safest. It's excellent on a lick mat.
How much water should my dog drink per day?
Approximately 30ml per kilogram of body weight per day — significantly more in hot weather or after exercise. Dogs drinking from a pet water fountain ($27.99) consistently drink 50–70% more than from a static bowl due to the natural appeal of moving water.
Behaviour Questions
Why does my dog eat grass?
The most common reasons are dietary — seeking fibre, minerals, or relieving mild nausea. Occasional grass eating is normal and not harmful. Frequent or urgent grass eating followed by vomiting can indicate digestive discomfort worth mentioning to your vet.
Why does my dog circle before lying down?
Instinctive den behaviour inherited from wild ancestors who would trample grass and check for insects or snakes before lying down. Completely normal. Excessive circling (10+ rotations) in older dogs can indicate neurological issues worth checking.
Why does my dog lick me constantly?
Affection, communication, and salt — your skin is mildly salty and many dogs enjoy the taste. It also releases endorphins in the dog doing the licking, which is why dogs lick during anxious moments too. Redirect excessive licking to a lick mat.
Why does my dog destroy things when I leave?
Separation anxiety or boredom — two different problems with similar symptoms. Anxiety: destruction occurs immediately after departure, dog is distressed throughout absence. Boredom: destruction occurs after 30–60 minutes, dog is calm at departure. Both respond to enrichment before departure — a frozen lick mat, snuffle mat meal, and a calming donut bed as home base.
Why does my dog roll in disgusting things?
Instinct to mask their scent for hunting, or to carry an interesting smell back to the pack to share information. There is no training solution that reliably stops this. The practical answer is to spot the behaviour before it completes and redirect — or accept it as part of owning a dog and keep the shampoo handy.
Why does my dog stare at me while I eat?
Because it has worked before. If your dog has ever received food from the table, they know that staring at meal times produces results. Consistent no-feeding-from-the-table policy is the only solution. A snuffle mat meal given simultaneously with your meal redirects their attention and gives them their own food-finding activity.
Health Questions
How often should I bathe my dog?
Most dogs: every 4–6 weeks. Dogs with skin conditions: as directed by your vet. Working dogs or dogs who swim: as needed, with a gentle shampoo to avoid stripping coat oils. Daily bathing is not recommended — it damages the skin barrier. Use the paw cleaner after walks instead of full baths to reduce the need for frequent washing.
How often should I groom my dog?
Short coats: brush weekly. Medium coats: brush 2–3 times weekly. Long coats and double coats: brush daily to prevent matting. Double-coated breeds need more frequent brushing in spring and autumn when they blow their undercoat. Never shave a double coat.
How do I know if my dog is overheating?
Key signs: excessive panting that doesn't slow down, drooling more than usual, bright red or pale gums, lethargy, stumbling, vomiting. Move to shade or AC immediately, apply cool (not cold) water to neck, armpits, and paw pads. Prevention: cooling harness, cooling mat, water on every walk, no midday walking in summer.
Why does my dog scoot on the floor?
Anal gland issues in the vast majority of cases. The anal glands are small sacs either side of the rectum that normally empty during defecation. When they become full, impacted, or infected, scooting is the dog's attempt to relieve discomfort. This needs veterinary or professional groomer attention — it doesn't resolve itself.
How do I know if my dog is a healthy weight?
The rib test: run your hands along your dog's ribcage. You should be able to feel (but not easily see) each rib with light pressure. If you can't feel the ribs at all, your dog is overweight. If the ribs are very prominent with no padding, underweight. Looking from above, a healthy dog has a visible waist behind the ribcage. From the side, the abdomen should tuck up slightly behind the chest.
Training Questions
What is the best age to start training a dog?
From the moment they arrive home — even 8-week-old puppies can learn sit, name recognition, and basic recall. The critical socialisation window is 3–16 weeks — this is when exposure to people, environments, sounds, and other animals has the most lasting positive effect. Formal obedience classes from 12–16 weeks are strongly recommended.
How long should a training session be?
5–10 minutes for puppies, 10–15 minutes for adult dogs. Frequency matters more than duration — three 5-minute sessions per day outperforms one 30-minute session for learning retention. End every session on a success, even if that means stepping back to something the dog knows well.
Should I use treats for training?
Yes. Food reward is the most effective, science-backed training method for the majority of dogs. Dogs who work for food aren't being bribed — they're being paid. The goal is to gradually reduce treat frequency as behaviours become reliable, but treats remain appropriate throughout a dog's life for new skills and difficult situations.
Walking Questions
How far should I walk my dog?
It depends entirely on breed and age. A Border Collie needs 10–15km per day of varied exercise. A Bulldog needs 20–30 minutes of gentle walking. A puppy should follow the 5-minute rule (5 minutes per month of age, twice daily). A senior dog needs consistent gentle exercise — shorter walks more frequently is better than one long walk that causes soreness.
Why does my dog pull on the lead?
Because pulling has worked — it moves them forward. The solution is to stop moving the moment the lead goes tight and only continue when there is slack. A front-clip no-pull harness ($34.99) makes the physical training significantly easier by redirecting the dog back toward you when they pull.
Should I let my dog sniff on walks?
Yes — and more than most owners do. Sniffing is mentally tiring for dogs in the best way. A 20-minute sniff walk is more enriching and satisfying for most dogs than a 45-minute brisk walk where they're kept moving. Let them investigate. It's what walks are for from their perspective.
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