Some dog breeds need daily grooming and training to maintain their show dog appearance and demeanour. However, all dogs need certain things provided for them if they are to have a long and happy life. And then there are extra things that they might not need so much, but make their day a bit nicer, like treats.
Exercise
If you don’t have the time to exercise your dog, you’ll have to make sure you choose a breed that doesn’t need that much regular activity. Some breeds are entirely satisfied with a walk up and down the stairs or in the backyard, like a Maltese.
Most dog breeds love to exercise, and it’s up to the owner to provide it for them. If you want to get a working dog breed, understand that these are dogs that have been specially bred to run and perform specific tasks. They will be unhappy to sit on the couch all day. If you don’t have the time to run your dog around the local park, then visit your favourite vet or dog groomer to check their bulletin board for advertisements for the best dog walkers in the neighbourhood.
Diet
You are what you eat. This is true for both humans and their furry friends. There are some excellent dog meal choices currently on the market. Once your canine becomes an adult, their dietary needs change from what they ate as a puppy. Ensure that your pet is getting all the nutrients and calories they need by opting for a high-quality dog food brand.
The ingredients you should look for on the packaging are:
- Real meat as its primary source
- Nutritious fruits and veggies
- No meat or poultry by-product meals
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
When you choose a dog food that ticks all these boxes, you can be sure that your dog is getting a perfectly balanced meal.
Play
It is necessary to allow your dog time to smell the roses once in a while. This is not a joke; a dog needs to smell things to stimulate its mind and interest. There is nothing worse for a dog’s owner to do than to pull it away when it wants to give something a good sniff. When you take your dog for a walk, the smelling part is as important as the walk itself.
Providing your dog with the occasional treat like a bone or ball is not only a kind thing to do, it will prolong its life by the activity that they associate with it. Those holes in a dog ball are not for show; you are meant to fill the hole in the ball with a treat or pet-friendly peanut butter, so they can bite and lick it out.
If you give your dog these basic things every day, you’ll be able to enjoy a happy and contented pooch that will bring you many years of companionship and fun.
