Why you should be using daily dog essentials

The importance of daily dog essentials

Dogs are part of the family. They bring us happiness, emotional support, companionship, unconditional love, and so much more. For all they do, it’s important to provide them with the daily essentials they need to be happy, healthy and clean.

Food

Your dog needs good food every day, just like you. While this seems like a no brainer, we often forget about the other details that are so important. What we give our dogs, along with how much to give them, is so important to their overall well-being.

Before you choose your dog food, make sure to consider their age, size and breed. The type of the food will also determine how much you give them, and also what other things they’ll need to be healthy.

Some breeds are prone to pancreatitis, so fattier foods won’t work for them. Other dogs are prone to allergies, so you might have to remove certain grains or proteins from their diet.

Puppies need to eat more frequently, and spayed or neutered dogs have slower metabolisms. Keeping your dog on the thinner side is always preferable than overfeeding them, as carrying around extra weight can cause a host of problems like arthritis, diabetes, cancer and more.

Kibble can be very nutrient-rich, but it’s important to give your dog plenty of water throughout the day to make up for the lack of moisture in their dry food. Wet/fresh/raw food may be more natural, but it might not have all the nutrients that your dog needs and it won’t clean their teeth like kibble will.

Water

As you make your list of daily dog essentials, you cannot leave out water. It’s so important to change out your dog’s water bowl and to make sure they aren’t drinking from the toilet or other sources of water that might cause illness.

Dogs should have at least one ounce of water per pound of their body weight in a day. More water may be required on scorching days or after intense exercise. If you are having a hard time getting your dog to drink, you can add a little broth or pumpkin to it.

Exercise

Dogs need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day at minimum, depending on their breed. If you have an overweight dog, an older dog with low stamina levels, or a large breed puppy, it’s best to break down the exercise into shorter intervals several times a day, rather than all at once. Exercise will keep your dog's heart in good condition and also keep them mentally healthy. It will also help curb weight gain. Pet obesity has become a huge issue in recent years, and regular routine can do wonders to keep your dog fit and living a long life.

Playtime

Toys are a necessary part of your dog supplies. A dog that does not have fun, mentally stimulating activities is more likely to suffer from depression, obesity, and destructive habits or problematic behaviors.

While it’s not advised to leave your dog along with toys, there are plenty of options available. Toys you can fill with food or natural options like antlers or yak chews are a great way to keep your dog engaged safely if you’re not able to keep an eye on them every second.

Games like fetch or tug can be quite mentally stimulating for your dog. Enrolling your dog at daycare is also another way pet parents can be sure that their dogs are getting enough playtime and engagement.

Grooming

Not all dogs need to be taken to the groomers, but some grooming should still be thought of as a daily essential. There are a lot of dog supplies that can help you keep your dog clean and healthy at home, like a brush, ear and/or eye cleaner, nail clippers or files, and wipes.

Taking the time to provide some basic grooming for your dog can also foster a great bond between you. For example, brushing can reduce shedding, prevent painful matting, improve blood circulation and help you check for parasites and skin conditions. Wiping your pup down after a walk can help keep dirt out of your home, prevent scooting, and keep them and your couch or bed smelling clean.