Determining What Your Dog Needs

Dogs are known as man's best friend and for good reason. A dog needs to bond readily with their human companions and they love to be in families. They are social creatures, and a dog needs to be secure in it's pack. Dogs can provide emotional comfort, companionship and a dog needs to have work to do. Being the alpha in the relationship, your job is to make sure that you meet what your dog needs. Luckily, finding out what a dog needs and keeping them happy isn't difficult. Just follow a few common sense principles.

Of course, the first basic thing a dog needs is dog food. A dog needs to be well fed to feel happy and secure in your family. However, that doesn't mean indulging or overfeeding your dog. A dog needs a balanced diet and adequate calories, but not excess fat. Dogs that are fed table scraps, or overfed, can easily become obese and develop the associated health problems. The food that you choose for your dog needs to contain a balance, but doesn't need to be expensive. There are many foods that fit into a budget that can provide many happy years for your dog. Consult your vet in determining what food your dog needs. If they recommend a more expensive brand, ask them if there's a cheaper alternative that will still provide all of the nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy.

The next thing any dog needs is training and attention. Dogs come naturally wired to certain behaviors like herding and jumping. A dog needs to have those behaviors channeled in a healthy direction. Dogs are very social animals and want to please their human companions. Therefore, a dog needs to know what you want and will be eager to please. As with any pet, your dog needs your love and attention. There's nothing sadder than seeing a dog that has been neglected and left on a chain. A dog needs to exercise, so make sure you work that into your schedule. A person considering getting a dog should consider how much time they will have to spend walking and grooming their pet.

Dogs can be very rewarding pets to own, and it's important to remember that since they can't speak for themselves, their owners must pay close attention to their dog's health needs. A dog's health can be observed through its behavior and appearance. If an owner notices that his pet is suddenly not looking well, has a dull coat or eyes, and is acting sluggish, this may mean the dog's health is not well. Also, if a dog's behavior, appetite, or energy level changes significantly, this may be a sign that the dog's health is ailing, and he should be looked at immediately by a veterinarian. A dog's health is very important to monitor in order to ensure a long, happy life for the animal.

With a little bit of common sense, it's easy to determine what your dog needs. With some attention to what your dog needs, it will provide many years of love and companionship to you and your family.