Having a dog is a bit like having a hyperactive child with fur everywhere. You want them to be happy, healthy, and not turn your sofa into Swiss cheese. But for that, you need to understand what they really need. So let’s set aside the misconceptions and dive into the deep end of canine well-being.
Understanding Your Dog’s Fundamental Needs
Balanced Diet: Because a Well-Fed Dog is a Fit Dog
Let’s not kid ourselves, all dogs dream of eating scraps from your plate. But just because they’re giving you their sad puppy eyes doesn’t mean you should give in! A good diet is the key to a long, healthy life.
✅ Dry food or homemade meals?
There are two main schools of thought:
- Dry food: Convenient, balanced (if you pick the right ones), tailored to your dog’s age and size
- Homemade meals: Prepared at home with well-measured proteins, vegetables, and grains
Here’s a quick table to help you choose:
| Type of Food | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Premium dry food | Convenient, balanced, rich in nutrients | Some contain questionable additives |
| Homemade meals | Natural, without additives, tailored to your dog’s specific needs | Preparation time, need for good balance |
🚨 Absolutely avoid: Low-quality dry food packed with grains and questionable by-products. It’s like feeding your dog fast food every day. Not great for their digestion and health!
Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Because a Bored Dog is a Sofa in Danger
Your dog needs to move. Even if it’s cold, even if you’d rather binge-watch Netflix under your blanket. A good walk every day is essential for their balance.
🔹 Ideal Duration of Outings
- Small dogs: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Medium dogs: 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Large dogs: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours
But be careful, it’s not just about walking! Your dog needs mental stimulation.
Here are some ideas to keep them busy:
- Interactive toys (like Kong, sniffing mats)
- Scent games: Hide treats and let them search
- Learning new tricks (sit, shake, spin…)
Ensuring Your Companion’s Health
Veterinary Visits: A Must (Even If They Hate It)
A regular check-up is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises. Basically, it’s like a technical inspection, but for your dog.
🔹 How often should you go to the vet?
- Puppies: every month until 6 months
- Adults: once a year for a health check-up
- Seniors: twice a year to monitor potential age-related issues
Parasite Prevention: Because No to Fleas
Parasites are the invisible enemy. They itch, they bite, and they can even make your dog sick.
✔ Protection Measures:
- Internal antiparasitics (dewormers): every 3 to 6 months
- External antiparasitics (spot-ons, collars): every month during at-risk periods
Training Your Dog for Harmonious Coexistence
The Basics of Dog Training: Because a Well-Trained Dog is Less Stress
A dog that knows how to stay calm when someone rings the doorbell, doesn’t pull on the leash, and doesn’t jump on guests is certainly more enjoyable.
The 3 Essential Commands:
- The Recall: “Come here!” (prevents them from bolting after a squirrel)
- “Sit”: The basis for stopping them from jumping everywhere
- “Stop”: Super useful to keep them from rushing towards danger
🔹 Tip: A dog learns better in a positive environment! Always reward with a treat or a pat.
Managing Undesirable Behaviors
Your dog barking too much? Chewing your shoes? Don’t panic, there are solutions.
- Excessive barking: often due to boredom or anxiety
- Destruction: if your dog chews everything, it’s because they lack stimulation
- Separation anxiety: if your dog howls as soon as you leave, you need to gradually accustom them to your absences
Providing a Suitable Environment for Your Dog
Choosing the Ideal Bed
A good bed is essential. Your dog spends a lot of time sleeping (between 12 and 16 hours a day), so they might as well be comfortable!
📌 Criteria for a Good Bed:
- Size appropriate: they should be able to lie down fully
- Comfortable material: memory foam, plush cushion
- Easy to wash: a removable bed is more practical
Safety at Home and Outdoors
At home: watch out for toxic products, electrical wires within reach, and small objects lying around (especially with a puppy).
Outdoors: always use a leash in the city and be aware of dangers (cars, aggressive dogs, hazardous objects on the ground).
Your dog deserves the best, and now you have all the keys to give them a fulfilling life. But a dog evolves, and there are always things to learn. So why not share this article with other enthusiasts? And if you want to go further, check out our selection of tested and approved products for your dog’s well-being! 🐶👇
