My new puppy arrives in three weeks. Like all expectant “mums”, I am busy preparing for his arrival. I have his new crate ready to put up, his harness is awaiting a warm body for fitting, initial training plan written, and I have washed all the Kongs and put them in a box ready for puppy.

In doing all this preparation, I realised how the needs of my three dogs will be vastly different because of the range of ages (9 weeks – 14 years). As the dogs’ primary carer, I will be OK remembering each dog’s preferences, their medications and supplements, and their exercise and training routines but if I am not around, then it will be pretty difficult for someone to step in for me.

For this reason, I have written a Dog Care Plan for my two adult dogs. When puppy arrives, I will do a plan for him too. The plan covers vet contacts, feeding & meal preparation, exercise routines, general care, management of health conditions, and each dog’s preferences (likes, dislikes, fears). I hope that by following this plan, someone else could step in and care for my dogs if I am unavailable.

I have also prepared an abridged version which I keep in the car glove box. In case of an accident or emergency while the dogs are in the car, then this plan gives emergency service workers or people who come to my assistance, contact details and information about handling the dogs safely.

Here are my Dog Care Plan templates for you to use and share.

Until next time, enjoy your dogs!

Full Stride provides canine rehabilitation services (massage, exercise therapy) and nutrition advice to keep dogs healthy, active and pain free. Please contact me to discuss how a treatment may benefit your dog and follow Full Stride on Facebook for more canine health updates.