Your dog will always be pleased when they see you, are always smiling (whether you see it or not), and are always on the hunt for adventure and new things. So this is where we talk about what your dog needs from you. You may have a dog for companionship or security and isn’t called man’s best friend for nothing. Let’s dive in and find out what your dog really needs.
A Dogs Basic Needs
Caring for an animal isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t know what to expect from the ever different personality of your dog. It’s when some people get to know their neighbors dog, or a friends dog and because that animal is so well trained and well mannered, they believe that these traits automatically will be instilled in their new found pet. This isn’t the case and is a big surprise to some people.
A dog’s basic needs come down to four main things:
- FOOD: Good nutrition is extremely important. As well, knowing how much to feed your dog, when to feed them and what to feed them. You should ask your veterinairan about the breed of your dog and what they should have and of course how much and when. They will provide you with the answers you need for a well fed dog.
- SHELTER: Inside or outside of your home, your dog, and depending on breed, need proper shelter from the elements. This is especially true depending upon their breed. Some dogs need shade/air conditioning, while some prefer snowy cold outdoors.
- CARE: Care comes in the form of two main things:
- HEALTH
- TRAINING
- LOVE: This one is simple. Talking with your pet, walking with them, brushing, etc all lead to great communication, and that’s what your dog is craving. Showing them love and support gives them a healthy outlook on how they respond to other people and other dogs.
Dogs have a basic need for shelter, good nutrition, exercise and companionship. A dog will rely on its owner for all of these needs, in addition to training and protection. These are all basic needs, but really, what a dog needs the most is veterinary care. If a person has a dog for a pet, it is a good idea to ensure that it is seen by a vet regularly. Dogs are prone to a wide array of illnesses and diseases and it is best that he gets vaccinated against these diseases. Some of the most fatal diseases that a dog should be administered with a vaccine against are listed below.
1. Canine Adenovirus – or Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH). ICH is an extremely contagious disease that only dogs could be transmitted with and other canine-type animals. This disease is transmitted in urine and eye or nasal secretions of animals with this disease and affects the liver, kidneys and lining of the blood vessels. Dogs of all ages are prone to acquire this disease, although puppies and younger dogs are at a higher risk.
2. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) – It is transmitted through contact with infected dogs and affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems. This disease is often fatal to puppies and adult dogs.
3. Para Influenza – Also known as tracheobronchitis, it is a contagious infection of dogs seriously affecting young puppies’ upper respiratory. Its symptoms are gagging and coughing. Dogs in stressful and crowded conditions are at the highest risk for this disease.
4. Parvovirus – This is an extremely contagious viral disease that affects white blood cells, the intestines, and heart. It is characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea and fever. It is often fatal in puppies. At the highest risk for this disease are dogs in crowded places such as dog shows and kennels.
5. Rabies – Rabies can affect all warm-blooded animals that are unvaccinated against the disease, including humans. It affects the brain and is always deadly. Pets get exposed to rabies from the bites of wild animals which include bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks.
Loyal, friendly, protective, affectionate, fun. Those qualities have earned dogs a special place in the lives and hearts of humans. . It will never hold grudges against you, and will never judge you for your looks or mistakes. . The bottom line is to keep a dog disease-free. Have it vaccinated. After all, what a dog really needs is. . .good health!