Basic Needs of Your Dog

To keep a dog happy, you have to be able to provide for its needs first. Here are the basics in taking care of a dog.

As with any other living thing, food is essential. And giving the proper nutrition for your pet will keep your dog energetic and happy. Not everything in those packs will be appealing to your pet. You will have to keep an eye out for an appetizing diet for your dog. This is a trial and error process. You need to watch how your dog responds to the meals that you give him.

You also need a few weeks to check if your dog really likes the food. If the dog’s coat begins to shed or lose its shine, then you may need to change diets. You can talk to your vet regarding this. Always remember to give your dog plenty of water to drink.

Your dog should have their own space in the house. This will teach them to respect their space. And in turn, they will respect yours. Remember that dogs are pack animals, so you will need to establish ground rules as the “alpha” of the pack.

Make certain that you keep a watchful eye on your dog. Dogs don’t do well with the heat or the cold. You would need to watch your pet to make sure that they don’t encounter any serious health issues due to the weather like a heat stroke.

Dogs need exercise, just like people do. This helps strengthen the bones and muscles and prevents heart issues due to fat. It also will help by boosting the dog’s self-esteem and is a very good way to temper the dog. Walking is an effective way to reinforce good behavior.

A regular check up with the vet will also help prevent any form of illness that could harm your dog. The vet will be able to help you determine and prevent any illnesses before your dog’s health is put in danger.

Grooming is also important for your dog. This will help keep bacteria off your dog and of course, make him/her look presentable at all times.

Foods Dogs Should Not Eat

There are many foods that should never be given to your dog. Many are not even good for people, but dogs seem to always want whatever we eat. Before you give your doggy companion your leftovers, look at this list and make sure it is not intended to give your dog one of the following type of foods:

Chocolate

Is toxic to dogs and is at the top of the list of foods that should never be given to your dog. Baking chocolate is the worst and white chocolate is the least dangerous, but please do not give your dog, no matter how much begs!

Onions

These are incredibly bad for the digestive system of a dog, especially in mass quantities, avoid them in any amount that you can..

Grapes and raisins

These can cause kidney failure. One might think that these small morsels are alright and fun for your dog to eat, especially since the grapes are fun for the dogs to chase, however they can be very deadly.

Milk and Dairy Products

An enzyme known called lactose is necessary to digest, but dogs do not have enough of it. Although dogs love it, ice cream is a no-no for them.

Bones

Most likely a dogs favorite thing to snack on, what is most surprising of all foods that should never be given to your dog. They can chew, chew, chew, and then bury them and dig them up later. But the truth is, they can splinter and the bones can lodge in the intestines of your dog or even puncture them. Dogs can also choke on them. And not just chicken bones. This is the case of any type of bone.

Artificial sweeteners and Artificial Fats

These are also bad for dogs. In fact, they do not really need any flavor enhancers to enjoy their food. They are happy with the food cooked the way it already is.

Sugar and Processed Foods

Yes, people eat a lot of these things. That is why so many people are obese and weight loss is the industry that is most lucrative. The dogs are not able to digest these foods easily like us, so keep to healthy, nutritious food (which is good advice for humans too!).

Spicy Food

Spicy food can damage the stomach of your dog. Your dog does not need spices or condiments in food to encourage them to eat it up!

Leftovers or Spoiling Food

The last food that should never be given to your dog. It is hard because many people, rather than throw the food that you do not want out, many dog owners give their dogs the food. Somehow it is presumed that dogs can tolerate it better than we can. The fact is they can’t! This will put the health of your dog at risk by giving them food that is garbage.

Remember these guidelines when you plan to share your table scraps or snacks for your dog. Fortunately, there are many foods that are good and healthy for dogs. In fact, many dog food and treat recipes that you can give them. Make sure that food you should never give your dog, as indicated above, are not included in them.