ABOUT YOUR DOG

Dogs were domesticated between 12,000 and 25,000 years ago and experts believe that all dogs evolved from the wolf. Since then, humans have selectively bred more than 400 breeds. But the most popular are non-pedigree—the one-of-a-kind dogs known as mixed-breeds, Heinz 57, mutts. The average annual cost including food, veterinary care, toys and license of a small dog is $420, a medium dog is $620 and $780 for a large dog.

Feeding
- Puppies 8 to 12 weeks old need four meals a day.
- Feed puppies three to six months old three meals a day.
- Feed puppies six months to one year two meals a day.
- When your dog reaches his first birthday, one meal a day is usually enough.
- For some dogs, including larger canines or those prone to bloat, it's better to feed two smaller meals.

Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be mixed with water, broth or canned food. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than ten percent of his daily food intake.

Puppies should be fed a high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Please limit "people food," however, because it can result in vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems and may cause very picky eating habits and obesity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times