All dogs have certain basic needs, they must fulfill in order to maintain their health and happiness, no matter their size or breed. The following list contains some of the most important basic needs of a dog, keep these things in mind, and your dog will be able to thrive as happy and healthy as possible!
Dogs need exercise
A dog’s basic need is to be active. Dogs require regular exercise to stay healthy. Exercise helps your dog burn calories, maintain muscle tone and stave off boredom. Your dog’s basic need for exercise can be satisfied by walks, runs and playing in parks. If you have time and space to let your dog run loose in an open area, like a park or farm field, that is ideal.
Dogs need toys
A dog toy is an essential piece of equipment for any dog. It provides you with an easy way to interact with your pooch, gives him something to do while you’re busy, and helps keep him occupied when he’s home alone. Not all toys work for every dog; different dogs have different tastes and will gravitate toward some kinds of toys over others. While squeaky toys might be perfect for one pup, another may prefer simple rope toys without bells or whistles.
Dogs need sleep
Just like people, dogs need sleep. Though an eight-hour bedtime might be ideal for humans, it isn’t best for dogs. Dogs need to take short naps throughout their day to get all their energy and continue playing happily. If you aren’t already getting your dog enough rest, adjust his schedule accordingly so he can achieve optimal health and happiness!
Dogs need love
Of course, no matter how well trained, every dog has its own unique personality. And every owner has his or her own unique relationship with their dog. Still, it’s almost universally agreed upon that dogs need love to be happy. Dogs that have a loving family to take care of them and give them attention tend to live longer and be healthier than those without one.
Dogs need socialization
Dog owners need to be sure their pets have plenty of exposure to other dogs and people because dogs need socialization just like children. Socialization also helps dogs learn appropriate behavior and can help protect them from dangerous situations as they become adults. Dogs should also receive training at an early age so they understand what’s expected of them.
Dogs need good nutrition
It goes without saying that a dog’s basic need is good nutrition. Dog food must provide nutrients in forms that can be absorbed by your dog’s body, along with vitamins and minerals to ensure he receives the proper nutrition for his overall health.
Dogs need proper grooming
Grooming is one of a dog’s basic needs. It’s easy to forget that since, by nature, dogs shed their fur. But brushing, clipping nails and cleaning ears are not only healthy for your pet—they improve their health and keep them from getting into trouble. If you can’t brush your dog yourself, take them to a professional groomer at least once or twice per month.
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Types of Dog Haircuts
Just like people, different dogs have different types of hair and need to be groomed differently. Depending on your pet’s breed, their fur may be straight or curly, and they may have one type of hair on their body but a completely different kind on their face. If you don’t know what type of dog haircuts you needs, you should consult with a professional (ideally, someone who has experience grooming that particular breed).
However, if you would prefer some guidance before scheduling an appointment with a pro, consider reading up on different breeds; here are examples of popular cuts for each breed
1) Poodle haircut.
Poodles are one of many breeds that can be shaved all over, or they can have a lion cut or teddy bear cut, both of which involve shaving around their face and feet but leaving fur on their legs. Poodles are sometimes also given a modified teddy bear cut, with more fur left around their face and less shaved off on their legs than in a full teddy bear cut.
2) Husky haircuts.
Huskies’ thick coats mean that they need to be shaved completely before summer arrives; some people prefer to shave them completely year-round because huskies shed much more heavily than other dogs do, making it necessary to groom them regularly. A standard husky dog’s fur is often clipped so short it appears shaved, although professionals may give slightly longer cuts if desired.
3) Pomeranian haircut.
Pomeranians are sometimes given an extreme puppy cut, which involves shaving almost all their hair off except for a little tuft of their tail and a small patch around their face. Shaving a Pomeranian down to her skin requires careful precision to prevent injury, but many people prefer it because it gives her fur time to grow back without getting matted from regular brushing.
4) Basset hound haircuts.
Basset hounds have long ears that must be kept clean; their owners can choose between cropping them or leaving them uncropped. Most professional groomers prefer to leave a little bit of fur on a basset’s ear, but you may need to clip off ear hair if it gets too messy.
5) Shih Tzu haircut.
Shih Tzu are often given a lion cut or modified lion cut, both of which involve shaving around their face and feet, but leaving fur on their legs; professional groomers can give either cut using electric clippers, but they may require scissors to finish it off if it grows out unevenly. Shaving a Shih Tzu completely can help prevent mats from forming near her hindquarters.
6) Bulldog haircuts.
Some people prefer to leave at least some fur on bulldogs’ faces, while others like to shave them completely to keep them cool during the summertime months; there’s no right or wrong way when it comes to choosing how much hair you want your dog shaved. A shaved bulldog must be brushed regularly to prevent irritation, especially in his face area.
7) Dachshund haircuts.
Like poodles, a dachshund can be given a full shave, lion cut or teddy bear cut; shaved dachshunds typically need to be brushed every day or two to prevent tangles from forming on their skin.