Q&A for How to Take Care of Your Dog's Basic Needs

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  • Question
    What does a dog need to be happy?
    Toni Woods
    Professional Dog Trainer
    Toni Woods is a Professional Dog Trainer in Washington DC. With over 15 years of experience, Toni specializes in improving the relationship between dogs and their families and easing the suffering of dogs experiencing separation anxiety. Toni holds a BS in Biology from Wittenberg University and taught biology for nine years. She now dedicates her life to helping dogs with separation anxiety.
    Professional Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Besides the basics of food, water, and shelter, a dog needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. To fulfill these needs, you can walk your dog, play games with them, and train them to follow commands.
  • Question
    What are the basic needs of a dog?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    A dog's basic needs include healthy food, water, appropriate shelter, a place to toilet, preventative healthcare, a chance to show normal behaviors, and a sense of security.
  • Question
    What if I don't have the things I need?
    Community Answer
    If you don't have the items you need, you aren't ready to get a dog. These items can all be found at pet stores, department stores and online.
  • Question
    What if I fed a dog a grape?
    Community Answer
    You shouldn't, grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. They can lead to kidney problems and potentially even be fatal. He should be okay if he only ate one grape but do not give him any more.
  • Question
    How can I teach my dog to relieve himself outside?
    Community Answer
    Take your dog outside every hour so he can relieve himself. (Especially after a meal or nap.) Praise him when he uses the bathroom outside and give him a treat after going back inside. It's always easier to housebreak a dog when it's a puppy, so the earlier you start, the better.
  • Question
    Is it safe to feed a dog tea?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the tea. It must be cold, caffeine-free, and without any sugar or milk. Really, though, all your dog needs to drink is water.
  • Question
    Are dogs allowed to eat raisins?
    Community Answer
    No. Grapes and raisins are both toxic to dogs. Always do a quick google search before feeding something to your dog.
  • Question
    Can my dog eat pork?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as it doesn't have seasoning or spices. Never give them bacon, as that's way too salty for them. Plain hot dogs and things like that are fine in moderation.
  • Question
    Are there any dog parks or puppy socialization spots in New Delhi?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The dog park is called “Vijay Mandal Dog Park”.
  • Question
    Can I still feed my dog human foods?
    Community Answer
    You should be very careful about giving your dog any human food. Certain foods are fine, but only in limited quantities. Others should be avoided entirely. You should do some research about your dog's breed and what kind of human foods they can have before giving them anything.
  • Question
    Can I feed a dog meat that's been cooled?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, assuming the meat is still good.
  • Question
    What food should I give to my dog?
    M.ranajit
    Community Answer
    Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores that eat some omnivorous foods. It is entirely acceptable to feed your dog a pure kibble diet. Or, you can mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables and rice.
  • Question
    What type of medium-sized dog is good for families?
    Community Answer
    I have two labradoodles, and they're great with the family. They can be anywhere from miniature to standard sized. They're a cross between a lab and a poodle. Labs are smart, gentle, kind, outgoing, even-tempered, and easy to train. Poodles are smart, alert, faithful, eager to please, and trainable. Together, they make a really good breed of dog. They're not usually aggressive, but do require proper socialization, like any dog. Remember: Adopt, don't shop. There are plenty of wonderful dogs in shelters that need homes.
  • Question
    Is it necessary to brush my dog's teeth?
    Community Answer
    It is not required every day, especially if they chew on toys that help to clean their teeth. However, it is recommended to brush them occasionally. Your vet should be able to tell you how often your dog's teeth should be brushed based on their dental history.
  • Question
    Why is my dog scared of my dad?
    Community Answer
    Dogs who are under-socialized, or not exposed to some things at crucial points when they're puppies, may be fearful of men, people with hats, etc. This is common! Men are often scary to dogs who haven't been exposed to them enough. In your dog's view, your dad is a giant with a deep, booming voice who probably smells strongly of testosterone. Pretty scary!
  • Question
    How do I tell if my dog is sick?
    Community Answer
    Usually they will do things that are out of character, like they might stop eating or drinking, or they might be more tired than usual. Check out the article on How to Know When Your Dog is Sick for details.
  • Question
    Is it still ok to feed my puppy things like the fat off of the meat we cook and things like that?
    M.ranajit
    Community Answer
    No. Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat as well as bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, may cause health issues in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it.
  • Question
    How can I puppy proof my home?
    Community Answer
    Follow the methods in Puppy Proof Your Home .
  • Question
    Where do dogs sleep?
    Community Answer
    Dogs will usually find a soft blanket to sleep on. Take my dog for example, he will find a nice comfy spot somewhere in the house. my dog usually finds a dark spot so the sun wont be in his eyes. Dogs usually lie down with their hind legs under them and their tail curled around them. It is recommended that if your dog finds a place in your home and stays there a lot, such as my dog, to lay down a comfortable blanket or buy a doggie bed.
  • Question
    How can I teach my dog to go to the front yard and not run away?
    Community Answer
    At first, when your dog has learned to go in the front yard, watch him a few times until you trust him. And if he always runs away, then buy a really long leash and then keep one end inside and the other strapped to the dog's leash, so he doesn't just go to the bathroom in one place.
  • Question
    How are you supposed to discipline a dog without hitting or yelling at it?
    Pinky the Pink Slime
    Community Answer
    Giving it a stern lecture should do, as well as disappointed body language; dogs can read you with ease. Save yelling for major offenses, and never hit your dog! Take good care of your pet.
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