Ordinarily sound dogs that are not so finely bred as to be delicate are surprisingly free from ailments if they have access to exercise, proper food and a constant supply of good drinking water. Let us consider these requirements in turn.
First as to exercise. Precisely as in the case of children, this is essential to good appetite, good spirits, and a sturdy, healthy growth. Any active dog ought to have a half-hour's freedom to run about every day in the year, with a longer period whenever possible. This should not be given, however, if it means the dog's going about without any supervision on your part. Unless you can go with him, or at least keep an eye on his activities, he is more than apt to fall into the decidedly harmful practice of spending his period of freedom in loafing about the street or the neighbors' back yards, eventually getting himself, you, and the neighbors, into mutual difficulties. In the out-and-out country, or on places where the surrounding grounds are extensive, the case is of course different, though even here you will do well to have a general idea of where the dog is at any time.
On the other hand, don't overdo the matter of exercise and run the dog until he is ready to drop. Take care, too, not to exercise him too violently in warm weather, for here again he is much lke a person in the harmful results that may follow.
The question of proper food is too often disregarded by dog owners. A dog's digestive apparatus is a very delicate piece of machinery, seldom giving trouble when well cared for, but subject to serious disorders if neglected. Wholesome, nourishing food, given at regular intervals, is absolutely essential to continued well-being.
In as much as the character of a dog's stomach changes as he grows from puppy-hood to maturity, so should the quantity, kind, and frequency of his food be varied. A young puppy should be fed dry bread soaked iu milk, a little well cooked cereal, small quantities of boiled green vegetables (never feed potatoes in any form to a dog of any age) and, as he reaches the age of ten weeks or so, a little lean meat may be boiled in with the rest of his food, and an occasional bone given him to gnaw on. From six to twelve weeks of age, feed four times a day, giving the pup enough to satisfy him at each meal, but never allowing him to gorge himself.
After feeding, let him rest, for reasons explained on a former pate.
By the time the pup is three months old, he should be receiving very little milk. Its place may be taken by a slightly increased quantity of lean meat, and an additional variety of other food such as boiled rice, manufactured puppy cakes, and any well boiled green vegetables. An excellent food to be given now, and indeed throughout the balance of the dog's life, is a rather thick soup made of rice, vegetables and lean meat in about the proportions of 2-3-1. Give also a large bone once or twice a week, always avoiding chicken bones or others that may splinter and cause internal troubles; and constantly have within his reach a pan of good clean drinking water containing one thirtieth of its bulk of lime water. This diet can be continued permanently, cutting down the meals to three a day at five months, and two at one year, the heaviest meal being given at night.
At the age of six or eight weeks practically every puppy is afflicted with internal worms. There are many symptoms of the presence o-f these parasites: irregular appetite, often accompanied by an unnatural craving for foreign substances such as straws, pieces of coal, refuse, etc.; thinness and a harsh, staring coat; uneasiness and whining evidently caused by internal discomfort ; a tendency to crawl into dark corners; etc. The remedy is simple, and consists of any standard dog vermifuge which can be obtained at all drug stores. Even if you do not definitely suspect the presence of worms in the pup, it is well to give him the vermifuge, administering it in accordance with the directions on the bottle. It can do no possible harm, and will probably do a lot of good.
As for any real ailments from which your dog may suffer from time to time, I strongly advise that you consult a reliable veterinary promptly unless you have had experience with that particular trouble. For while it is true that dogs are subject to many of the same troubles as are human beings, responding in many cases to similar treatment, yet the dangers of an erroneous diagnosis are too great to be lightly run.
A good warm bath with dog soap is of course a periodical necessity for all dogs whose owners make any pretensions. to caring for them properly. Once every week or ten days is usually often enough for the dog whose activities do not take him into too intimate acquaintanceship with Mother Earth, and after washing be sure to dry him thoroughly lest he take-cold.
In conclusion, let me emphasize again the importance of a principle which I have endeavored to make evident - Common sense. A good dog is the best friend a human being can have, and he deserves the best treatment that his master can give.