Dogs Are a Part of the Family.

If you read my blog and find me more funny than crazy, you probably agree with that sentiment. Dogs are a part of the family, although I don't honestly see them as a replacement for my children, or people in general. They have different needs and they are, after all, animals.

I understand that all a dog really needs is water, food, and shelter. That's all any of us needs, although we're on this strange clothing kick. If you ever have the pleasure of calling Animal Control to report a neglected animal, I'm sorry to tell you, as long as he has food, water, and shelter, they're unlikely to do anything about it. There might be laws about dogs on chains, and you might get lucky that way, but for the most part, that's the big three. Outside dogs break my heart. You know the ones, they bark when you walk by, almost pleading for attention, they're without manners and socialization and almost seem like wild animals. They are not loved and cherished members of their families.

So, then, what does a dog require? Beyond the silly outfits and the designer leashes, what do they need? When someone says their dog is spoiled, and their dog is missing out on one of these basics, my heart goes out to that dog.

A dog requires good food. I'll go into this in more detail at some point, but suffice to say, if you can buy it at the grocery store, it's probably not good food. You eat something other than McDonald's, give your dog good nutrition too. His coat will shine, his muscles will grow, and he will be a healthier, all around better dog for it.

Dogs need to see the vet. There are different schools of thought on the vaccination schedules a dog should be on, but the fact still remains, your dog and the vet should be on a first name basis. She needs to go once a year for a heartworm test, at the very least. I don't care what you've been told or heard, all dogs need a heartworm test once a year and they need preventative. Some places don't require the preventative year round, but follow your vet's advice on that. The vet can see things you might miss about your dog's health and he's a pretty good person to have on your side. He is also the only one who can spay or neuter your dog. You have all spayed and neutered your dogs, right?

Dogs require training and socialization. Trained dogs get to go places that an untrained dog wouldn't be accepted. Trained dogs are easier to live with. Trained dogs don't end up in shelters for very long. Socialized dogs are more fun to be around, no one likes to be around a dog that doesn't like to be around them. They also get to have more fun with other dogs and who doesn't like that!

Dogs need exercise. Going outside to take a pee isn't exactly exercise. Running around the yard isn't, either. Games of fetch, obedience, hide and seek, and the old standard of walks wear your dog out, which makes him easier to live with and happier, too. Fat dogs die early and are prone to a lot of diseases and illnesses that rarely plague thin dogs.

Dogs need to be groomed. Don't let your dog get full of fleas and mats, have long nails, or have dirty ears and poop stuck to him because you're lazy or don't think he needs it. My dogs all are on different grooming schedules, but they get baths once a week, and their nails done. Bella the Poodle gets brushed every day, Brody the Golden Retriever gets brushed every other day, and Ellie the Boston Terrier and Pug the Pug need a good brushing twice a week. It's more than looking good, well-groomed dogs shed less, smell better, and their owners are more likely to notice cuts, scrapes, and lumps before they are a problem. Dogs with well trimmed nails are less likely to become arthritic.

Dogs need love. I know it's been said a thousand ways, but dogs need you to love on them. They live for those pats on the head, make out sessions, and hugs. They need you to tell them what they do that's good so they can keep doing it. They want you to be happy!

That's really not that much of a commitment, right? You do most of that with yourself, you go to the doctor and you brush your hair and bathe. You are nice to other people (I hope!) and you generally behave appropriately in social situations. Give your dog those same tools!

The dogs outside, barking for attention when I walk by, they aren't getting this kind of treatment. Don't leave your dogs outside. Let them come inside and warm up or cool off. Give them a nice place to sleep, and most importantly, keep them healthy and happy. Make them part of the family. You'd be surprised what a good companion a dog makes!