What a dog needs is very simple when you get down to the basics. Just like people they can do well without a lot of the fancy things like brushes, treats and toys. However there are four things at they need at all times.
Water
Water is absolutely necessary for dogs to have. Dogs can only go three days without water, but could go up to a couple weeks without eating food.
You need to make sure that your dog has fresh clean water every day and that you regularly clean out the water bowl with hot soap and water.
Food
A complete dog food is all the nutrition that your dog needs. While it is nice to give your dog extra treats every once in a while they are not necessary and can contribute to obesity.
To make sure you are feeding a quality dog food looked at the label on the bag. The primary ingredient should be some type of meat, if it does not, or has some type of grain as the primary ingredient then you need to switch brands.
Social interaction
While not as necessary as water for, your dogs, like people, are social creatures. Being deprived of social interaction can lead to increased levels of stress and disease. Allowing your dog social interaction either with people or other dogs helps them mentally as well as physically.
Exercise
You should allow your dog a couple periods of exercise for at least 15 minutes twice a day. Exercise helps keep your dog healthy and helps prevent obesity, which is one of the leading risk factors for disease in dogs.
These four things are what a dog needs to be healthy and happy.
