Owning a pet dog is not a walk in the park. They are very much like humans, so you’ll have to take care of them just like a toddler. Even though you’ve never had a child, your pet dog will become one because of the amount of attention they constantly need. Aside from that, they rely solely on you. So you have to make sure that their basic needs are taken care of and are like second nature to you. So if you’re planning to own a pet dog, make sure you have everything you need covered.

If you’ve decided to own a dog, then it’s time for you to know what basic necessities every dog needs. It’s better to be ready than to dive straight into it without knowing anything. So here are some basic needs for every dog.

High-Quality Food

Like humans, dogs need nutritious and high-quality food that can enrich their bodies. It’s better to choose a dog food that can make your dog feel full for much longer and, at the same time, give them the right amount of energy. Compared to dog food that’s low in quality and can make them hungry in a short amount of time. And be sure to feed them two full meals a day!

A Comfortable Place to Sleep

Dogs love their naps when they’re not playing, so it’s essential to provide them with a comfortable place to sleep. Give them a bed where they can lounge around all day if they’re not playing, and make it their own space. Even though your dogs sleep with you, it’s better to give them boundaries and let them sleep on their own beds. You can start by setting up a dog bed in rooms that they usually stay in, such as your living room.

Exercise & An Enriched Environment

One of the things you need to remember when owning a dog is to give them the freedom they need and an enriched environment. Not all the time they need to be tied up, especially if your dog is curious in nature. They need to have a wide space where they can play and discover new things. Aside from that, give them a walk every day so they can socialize with other people and animals. You also need to give them the attention they need, which can make them truly happy.

Pet Grooming

Dogs need to be groomed, whether they have long hair or not. Basic grooming includes nail and hair trimming, lice and tick prevention, dental hygiene, teeth cleaning, and so much more. You can bring them to a professional dog groomer, or you can do it yourself. It depends on you if you have the money for a pet groomer, or if you have the knowledge to keep them clean.

Most households own a pet dog for many reasons. They are very much like humans because of their huge personalities. Each breed has its own attributes that make them special. They can be quirky, energetic, and cool at the same time. So it’s no wonder that a large percentage of households tend to choose a dog as their family pet. But aside from their fun personalities and intelligence, there are many other reasons why owning a dog as a pet is the best experience and decision you’ll ever have.

If you’re looking forward to your first pet, choosing a dog is your best bet. Of course, you’ll have to consider your lifestyle and health before solidifying your decision. But many people experienced happiness after owning one. So what are the other reasons why having a dog is the best choice? Let’s check out some of the science-backed facts here.

You Will Never Feel Alone

One of the many reasons why a person chooses a pet dog over any other domesticated animal is because you’ll never feel alone. They are so loyal that they’ll never leave your side (literally). You are their world, and all they see is you. So their love for you is truly unconditional. You can never break up with your dog, which is what makes them special. They will be your emotional support, especially during the times that you feel alone, plus they give lots of cuddles and kisses too!

Helps You Relax

When you get home from work and you find your pet dog waiting for you at the door, you’ll instantly feel your stress levels go down. Your furry pet will help alleviate your stress just by being their fun and quirky self. Just hanging out with your pet can ease muscle tension, relax your breathing, and lowers down your blood pressure and heart rate. Even ten minutes of petting a dog can already provide a huge impact.

Can Help with Mental Health Problems & Crisis

Service dogs are not only limited to those who have health problems, but to those who have mental health problems as well. You can see that many people dealing with mental health issues, such as PTSD, can get a service dog to help them deal with issues inside their heads. In fact, a study has shown that war veterans with service dogs have shown an improvement in their coping skills and have lower signs and symptoms of PTSD.

Dogs Make You Look Friendlier & Attractive

Ever notice that having a dog can make you ten times more attractive and friendlier than those who don’t own one? That’s because a large percentage of the human population loves dogs. And if you have one, there’s a big chance for your coworker, boss, or friends to like you even more just because you own one. For example, people posing with a dog for a photograph can instantly make them look more relaxed and happy!