A well-groomed dog is a happy dog!
Satisfying your dog's needs starts with the basics! Abraham Maslow developed a hierarchical theory of human needs, which scientists and textbook authors who analyzed it in later years began to present in the form of a pyramid. The base of this pyramid, or the basic human need, was the satisfaction of physiological needs, primarily: food, water, and sleep. At the next level was the need for safety, described as freedom from fear and peace. Next was the need for love and belonging, expressed in bonds, being loved and loving. The next levels concerned the need for recognition and respect, and self-fulfillment.
Why do we mention the human pyramid of needs in the context of dogs? We are convinced that if dogs had their own canine Abraham Maslow, their hierarchy of needs would be almost identical! After all, your dog needs a bowl full of delicious food, unlimited access to fresh water, a place to sleep, and a sense of security and your unconditional love! Does everything add up? Time for details!
Appropriate food and constant access to fresh water
Your pet's diet is crucial to their health, fitness, and well-being. Top quality dog food should be tailored to their age, weight, lifestyle, and activity level.
When choosing dog food, carefully analyze its composition, primarily in terms of meat content (the higher the percentage of meat, the better!) and unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives (it is best if the food does not contain them at all!).
Check out the highest quality food for your little one!
Also, pay attention to any special nutritional needs that may result from the breed's specifics and any temporary ailments, chronic diseases or food allergies. In addition, each dog should have unlimited access to fresh, clean and cool water.
We wouldn't be ourselves if we didn't mention the need to focus on... dog bowls! What you serve your quadruped with food and water can affect their taste and quality. Information on how to choose a dog bowl and why glass bowls are the best choice can be found in the text: How to choose the size and material of a dog bowl?
Health prevention – vaccinations, deworming and check-ups
It's time for those less pleasant, but necessary for the dog's well-being treatments. Remember that even if your pet is a little offended at you - he will soon come around, and you will be sure that you did everything you had to! A delicious snack and an additional portion of petting speeds up the process of "getting offended".
The most important element of your dog's preventive health care are: mandatory vaccinations, deworming and regular check-ups with a vet.
Vaccinations
Basic and additional vaccinations protect your dog against the most dangerous infectious diseases of the species. Mandatory vaccinations for dogs include: vaccination against rabies (first vaccination at 4 months of age, subsequent doses every 12 months) and vaccination against distemper, parvovirus and Rubarth's disease (four doses up to 18 weeks of age, booster dose after a year, subsequent booster doses every 3 years). Additionally, you can vaccinate your dog against: kennel cough, bordetella, parainfluenza, Lyme disease and leptospirosis. The most common practice is to give your pet polyvalent vaccines, i.e. combined preparations, against several diseases.
Deworming
Is your dog a very curious animal? That's great! Remember, however, that intensive, organoleptic exploration of the environment by a dog can lead to parasitic infections. Regular deworming effectively removes internal parasites from the pet's body and thus prevents the development of, among others, helminthiasis. External parasites can also pose a threat to the dog's health: fleas, ticks, lice and lice, as well as bed bugs and flies. For this purpose, use special collars, sprays, drops or tablets - choose an effective method that will be the best and most comfortable for your quadruped.
Regularly check your dog's health
Do you take care of your own health and get regular check-ups? Take the same approach to your friend's health prevention! Perform basic tests, such as blood counts and urine tests, on your dog regularly, preferably every 12 months. Also take care of your dog's teeth and closely monitor their condition. Immediately consult your veterinarian about any disturbing changes in your dog's behavior and changes noticed, e.g. on the skin, subcutaneous lumps and bulges, gait irregularities, etc. If your dog is sick, follow the doctor's instructions, administer medications and perform recommended additional tests.
Dog hygiene – washing, cutting claws, brushing and combing
Dogs are not usually keen on baths, although of course there are those who love water! The same goes for cutting nails, brushing and combing. However, you should not give up any of these activities! This is a package of essentials for the comfort and well-being of your friend.
It is good to accustom your pet from puppyhood to all hygiene activities, so that as mature dogs they are not afraid of water and accept the smell of bath liquid, do not faint theatrically at the sight of nippers and cooperate (or at least bravely endure) combing and brushing. Praise and support your dog during all procedures. Small rewards for a brave quadruped are most appropriate in this situation!
Bathe your dog whenever necessary. Always use the highest quality, gentle washing products – only those designed for dogs, universal or dedicated to a specific breed and a specific type/length of hair or fur. More frequent baths are recommended if your pet sleeps in bed with you, is a muddy playmate, you live in a city full of urban pollution, and in winter, when sidewalks and park paths are sprinkled with salt or sand. Baths can also be therapeutic, e.g. when your dog has been diagnosed with a skin disease or it is necessary to use preparations against external parasites.
Brushing your dog is an important part of taking care of their well-being, thermal comfort and skin health. Long-haired dogs should be brushed daily or every 2-3 days. Dogs with short hair should be brushed once every week or two. In addition, the frequency of brushing should be higher during the moulting period. What to brush your dog with? You can choose from a wide range of brushes, combs and special gloves. Match the tool to the breed and length of your dog's hair. A soft brush (for combing out dead hair) and a comb will be useful for grooming long-haired dogs. A regular brush or glove will be enough for combing short hair. A brushing glove is also a great solution for dogs who do not like being brushed - a combination of petting and stroking with brushing will allow them to get used to this type of care.
Sleeping bag, or a comfortable bed for your dog
Every dog should have its own place in your home. It is a space just for them, where they can relax from the hustle and bustle of home, calm down and take a nap whenever they feel like it. Make sure the bed is of high quality, guaranteeing adequate thermal insulation (you can choose a double-sided bed, with a cold and warm side), adjusted to the size of the dog (the pet should be able to stretch out freely on the bed!), easy to keep clean and adjusted to any special needs of your pet (e.g. orthopedic bed, anti-allergic bed). Some quadrupeds feel more comfortable sleeping in a bed with a roof, which provides the pet with even more peace. The sleeping plane should be located away from traffic routes and drafts.
Additional activities and games - what dogs like the most!
Do you know that joy and happiness multiply by sharing? Walk, play, do sports together… Together!
There are plenty of opportunities to spend time with your dog in an active and attractive way, both at home and outside. Make sure you have a few moments just for you every day! Walking and playing together is a time to build bonds, meet dog (and human!) buddies, train and learn. You are important too! So take care of your needs too! You can do selected sports together, thus investing in the health, fitness and excellent well-being of you and your pet.
Walking the dog
One of the basic and most popular forms of joint activity is... walking! Walking your dog is not only about taking care of your dog's physiological needs and safely using up your pet's energy! During a walk, your pet explores the area, sniffs, and intensively gets to know new smells and places. A walk is also an opportunity to strengthen the bond with your pet and spend time outdoors. In addition, walking (how many steps do you have on the counter today?) is an investment in health - an intensive walk will have a positive effect on your bodies, effectively oxygenating them and accelerating blood circulation. Turn off your phone and focus on being here and now, exactly as your dog does!
Remember that your pet's right to walks and socialize with the outside world does not release you from the obligation to watch over your quadruped. A dog should always be on a leash in public places (including parks!) The exception are special, fenced dog runs. An absolute ban on letting a dog run free also applies in the forest - it is a matter of respect for the animals for whom the forest is home.
The number and length of joint walks depends on you! The absolute minimum is 2-3 walks with the dog, each of which will last at least 15-20 minutes. At least one of the walks should be longer and last about an hour. Adjust the length of the walks to the individual preferences, character and needs of the dog. Also pay attention to the weather - on really cold, windy and rainy days you can shorten the time of walks to the necessary minimum, and in return devote more time to the pet playing at home.
Playing with your dog at home and in the garden
Playing with a dog brings a lot of joy to the animal! But that's not all! Play, depending on the type of activity, its intensity and degree of complexity - can have a positive effect on the dog's mental and physical development, improve the animal's behavior in the context of destroying objects in the environment, teach it to control emotions and behavior, improve concentration and learning commands, and improve physical fitness and motor coordination.
Remember that not every game can be good for your pet! Calmly test different forms and choose the ones that bring you the most joy! What to play with your dog at home or in the garden?
Dragging and wrestling
Tracking and hunting for items
Sniffing and searching for treats (also using scent mats)
Peekaboo
Fetching (indoors – only with soft, textile balls and on soft, non-slip floors!)
Homemade obstacle course.
Did you know that some games can also be used therapeutically? Time spent together, in a safe environment, effectively reduces stress, allows gradual reversal of changes caused by traumatic experiences (e.g. from a shelter) and stimulates neurogenesis (i.e. brain reconstruction, e.g. after accidents and injuries).
Playing with a dog in the garden
Do you have a garden? That's even more space for your pet to play! Remember that playing in the garden is not a substitute for walking your dog!
Learning tricks and training your dog
Learning tricks is an attractive alternative to standard games. If your dog understands you well and likes this type of activity – go for it! You can start with the simplest commands: give a paw, high five or bye. Then it may be time for more difficult challenges: asking, rolling or bowing. You can teach an active dog to jump on your back (as long as it is not too big and too heavy, of course!), overcome various types of slaloms or jump through a hoop. Here, attractive, delicious and healthy snacks can be helpful – check out what Animal Island has to offer.
Playing sports together
Playing sports together allows you to simultaneously satisfy your needs and those of your dog. It is a maximally intensive and attractive way to spend time with your pet. Remember that each new type of activity requires gradual introduction of the dog to its secrets, careful observation of the pet's reactions (joint activity only makes sense if it brings joy to both of you!) and compliance with all safety rules (e.g. using appropriate leashes or reflective elements when running together after dark). In some cases, it is worth consulting a veterinarian, who will rule out any potential contraindications to more intensive exercise in your pet (e.g. joint disease).
What sports can you do with your dog?
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Running – the most popular form of activity done in pairs, safe and not requiring any special financial outlays; choose a quiet and not too crowded route (your dog may feel uncomfortable or anxious when other runners or cyclists pass you), preferably away from car traffic
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Canicross , or cross-country running with a dog - an intense activity that will make you sweat profusely, and your pet tired and happy at the same time; canicross can only be practiced by dogs that are in perfect health and have the physical conditions that allow them to efficiently overcome various obstacles
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Swimming – swimming together is a lot of fun and a lot of satisfaction from covering distances; choose a safe water environment for swimming with your dog (clean, without strong currents and whirlpools), absolutely equip your dog with a life jacket (especially if you swim longer distances), control the air and water temperature (give up swimming if the temperature amplitude is too high, it is cool and windy or the water is very cold)
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Bikejoring , or running with a bike – is a great option for amateur or professional cyclists who want to share their passion with their dog; this type of joint activity requires solid preparation and training of the dog
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Dog trekking , or orienteering marches or runs – most often carried out as part of mass events; it is important that your dog feels good in the company of other dogs and people
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Dogfrisbee – various activities related to throwing a frisbee (you throw it, of course!).
We were sweating just from listing them!
A happy dog means a happy owner – the perfect duo!
Your Dog's happiness depends on you! We know that it is a huge responsibility, but we are sure that you will manage! For your Pupil, your presence is the most important thing, however trivial it may sound! What else? Take care of your Pet's health, remember about vaccinations and preventive / control examinations, use high-quality food and remember to regularly fill the bowl with clean water. Joint walks, jointly practiced sports and satisfying games - they will seal your love and result in mutual happiness!
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