The Dog Shop

Most healthy adult dogs thrive on two well‑portioned meals a day, morning and evening. Splitting calories keeps blood‑sugar steady, helps digestion and reduces begging compared with one large meal.

Start with the guidelines on your bag or can as every formulation varies. As a rule of thumb, a 9 kg / 20 lb moderately‑active adult needs about 500–700 kcal (≈1¼–1¾ cups of 380 kcal‑per‑cup kibble) while a 23 kg / 50 lb dog needs roughly 1100–1300 kcal (≈3 cups). Adjust every few weeks so ribs stay “touchable but not visible.”

Not by default. Grain‑free formulas can help dogs with confirmed cereal allergies, but most vets now recommend grain‑inclusive diets because current research is exploring a link between some legume‑heavy, grain‑free foods and diet‑associated heart disease.

Dry kibble is budget‑friendly and supports dental abrasion; wet, raw or gently‑cooked meals boost moisture, flavour and protein. Many Canadian pet parents mix the two—½ kibble, ½ wet to balance convenience, cost and palatability.

Under 4 months: 3–4 meals. From 4–6 months: 3 meals. After 6 months: 2 meals like most adults. Small and toy breeds may need an extra meal to avoid low blood sugar.

Wait one week after your vet administers the final core vaccine (usually 16 weeks of age) before visiting busy sidewalks, dog parks or pet stores. Controlled play dates in a clean yard with vaccinated dogs are fine earlier.

Teething starts around 12 weeks and finishes by 6 months. Supply rubber or nylon puppy chews to soothe gums and protect your furniture.

Use the “age‑in‑months + 1 hour” rule. A 3‑month‑old can wait ~4 hours; an 8‑week pup only 3 hours. Overnight holds may be a little longer because metabolism slows during sleep.

Switch to a front‑clip harness, carry high‑value treats, and reward a loose leash. The moment tension appears, stop walking, reset, then praise forward movement on a slack line.

Create a den vibe. Feed meals inside, toss treats for short sessions, close the door for a minute, then gradually extend. Never use the crate for punishment; it should always feel safe and positive.

Occasional grazing is normal and rarely harmful, studies show only about 25 % of dogs vomit afterward. Increase fibre or enrichment if munching seems obsessive and avoid lawns treated with herbicides.

Measure neck and chest girth at the widest points, then follow the brand’s chart. The harness should allow two fingers of wiggle room but not slide over the shoulders.

Harnesses distribute pressure across the chest, making them safer for brachycephalic breeds, pullers and dogs with delicate tracheas. Flat collars remain essential for ID tags and calm, leash‑trained dogs.

Pick a crate at least 15 cm / 6 in longer and taller than your dog’s body so they can stand up, turn around and stretch. Use the divider panel for growing puppies.

Canadian core shots are DA2PP (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza) and rabies. After the puppy series and a one‑year booster, healthy adults usually revaccinate every three years. Lifestyle extras, Bordetella, Lyme, leptospirosis, are given annually if risk is high.

Most dogs require a bath only every 4–6 weeks unless they roll in something smelly or a vet prescribes medicated shampoo. Over‑bathing can strip natural oils and trigger itchiness.

Use topical drops or collars during the warm months, check your dog daily after walks, and remove ticks promptly with fine tweezers or tick twisters held close to the skin.

Watch for itchy paws, recurrent ear infections, chronic diarrhea or vomiting. Your vet may suggest an elimination diet with hydrolyzed protein or novel ingredients to identify the culprit.

We typically ship same or next business day. Expect next‑day arrival across Southern Ontario and most of Québec, and 1–4 business days everywhere else in Canada.

Yes, Canada‑wide on orders over $89, plus free local delivery in Hamilton and Burlington on qualifying baskets over $30. *Exclusions apply.

Absolutely. As soon as your parcel leaves our warehouse you’ll receive an email with a live tracking link so you can follow every scan.

Return any unused product in its original packaging within 30 days for a full refund. Start the process in your PetMax account and print the prepaid return label we provide.