Dogs, compared to many animals, are fairly high maintenance. Over time they will become a part of your family. A furry child! And caring for them will be less of a chore and more of an act of love. When you bring a pup into your home, youre making the commitment to be a parent- not an owner. And although it sounds like quite a commitment, that adorable fluffy little thing will be well worth the work. Here are the basic things every dog needs, but Im sure youll soon learn that going above and beyond (and spoiling) is way better than supplying just the basic needs:
Picture of Yogi, from the Homeward Bound Dog Rescue in New York.
Companionship: First and foremost (above all else) dogs need companionship. Unlike other animals, that can find companionship in fellow animals- dogs need loving attention from humans. They are very outgoing, friendly, and loving creatures- and need a sense of security and family from their owners. By adding a dog to your family you are making the commitment to give them the love and the attention they deserve- which should be between a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of attention a day. But of course, the more attention you can give- the better! Think of them as a child, not a pet. What does a child need from their parent? Discipline, love, kindness, respect- all of these are the traits that dogs need most.
Bed/House: Each dog needs a place that they can call their own. In other words they need a bed or house where they can sleep, relax, and leave any toys they feel like claiming as their own. Beds or houses should be sized appropriately for your breed of dog. If you have an indoor dog a bed would be your best option, while if you have an outdoor dog a house is a necessity.
Exercise: Different breeds need different amounts of exercise, but all dogs should have at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. A walk around a few blocks of your neighborhood will do the trick. Not only does this help keep your pet physically healthy- it promotes a good mental health in your canine as well. If you can, give your dog a tie-out area outside or a fenced-kennel where they can run and play freely.
Food: Of course, all dogs need food! And dogs love to eat. Here at Dog Cottage we suggest supplementing your commercial food diet with meats as well to keep your dog happy, healthy, and excited about eating.
Water: Dogs are avid drinkers and need lots of fresh water throughout the day. Their bowl should always be filled. Any water that hasnt been drank should be changed out daily. Dogs are easily dehydrated and need to maintain a good amount of water to stay healthy. Dogs also prefer chilled water. Some dogs, who are sensitive to smells will not drink water that has been treated with chemicals (most city waters)- so you may want to offer them spring water or bottled water instead.
Play Toys: Play toys keep your dog active and entertained. Tennis balls, cloth bones, squeaky toys, and even a small child-sized pool filled with water make great toys for dogs. Why are these things so important? They enhance your dogs life by stimulating their brain. Dogs need to play- its 100% natural behavior for them. Some dogs are more playful than others, but all dogs deserve their own personal entertainment- which can come from toys.
Chew Toys: Chew toys keep your dogs teeth strong and gums healthy. Things like rawhide, rope toys, bones, and dried pig ears are the prime things to offer up your pup. Not only do they avidly enjoy chewing- they need to chew to keep a healthy jaw and mind.
Bed/House: Each dog needs a place that they can call their own. In other words they need a bed or house where they can sleep, relax, and leave any toys they feel like claiming as their own. Beds or houses should be sized appropriately for your breed of dog. If you have an indoor dog a bed would be your best option, while if you have an outdoor dog a house is a necessity.
Exercise: Different breeds need different amounts of exercise, but all dogs should have at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. A walk around a few blocks of your neighborhood will do the trick. Not only does this help keep your pet physically healthy- it promotes a good mental health in your canine as well. If you can, give your dog a tie-out area outside or a fenced-kennel where they can run and play freely.
Food: Of course, all dogs need food! And dogs love to eat. Here at Dog Cottage we suggest supplementing your commercial food diet with meats as well to keep your dog happy, healthy, and excited about eating.
Water: Dogs are avid drinkers and need lots of fresh water throughout the day. Their bowl should always be filled. Any water that hasnt been drank should be changed out daily. Dogs are easily dehydrated and need to maintain a good amount of water to stay healthy. Dogs also prefer chilled water. Some dogs, who are sensitive to smells will not drink water that has been treated with chemicals (most city waters)- so you may want to offer them spring water or bottled water instead.
Play Toys: Play toys keep your dog active and entertained. Tennis balls, cloth bones, squeaky toys, and even a small child-sized pool filled with water make great toys for dogs. Why are these things so important? They enhance your dogs life by stimulating their brain. Dogs need to play- its 100% natural behavior for them. Some dogs are more playful than others, but all dogs deserve their own personal entertainment- which can come from toys.
Chew Toys: Chew toys keep your dogs teeth strong and gums healthy. Things like rawhide, rope toys, bones, and dried pig ears are the prime things to offer up your pup. Not only do they avidly enjoy chewing- they need to chew to keep a healthy jaw and mind.
