Understanding and respecting your dog's basic needs.

Sharing your life with a dog means more than just providing them with a roof over their heads and food. To live a happy and healthy life, your companion needs all of their basic needs met.

Ignoring them puts your dog at risk of behavioral problems, anxiety, or emotional distress.

Here's how to ensure he has a fulfilling life!

Physiological needs

Sleep

A dog sleeps a lot — between 12 and 18 hours a day depending on its age and temperament.

A quiet and comfortable corner is essential so that he can rest and recover peacefully.

Eat

A healthy, balanced diet adapted to your age, size and activity level is essential.

Feeding your dog properly also means taking care of its digestion, weight, and vitality.

Drink

Constant access to fresh, clean water is essential. Proper hydration is vital for organ health and thermoregulation.

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Physical activity needs

Every dog, regardless of age or breed, needs to exercise every day.

Walks, games, sports activities… Physical activity:

• prevents obesity,

• stimulates his mind,

• reduces stress,

• and strengthens the bond with its human.

Activities should be adapted to one's health, age and individual abilities.

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Mental activity needs

A dog also needs to be intellectually stimulated.

Solving a problem, searching for a treat, learning new commands or using his sense of smell: these are all part of his balance.

Natural chewing, intelligence games, positive education are all activities that keep his mind occupied in a healthy way.

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Social needs

The dog is a social animal.

He needs regular, quality contact with his human and sometimes with other dogs or animals.

Prolonged loneliness leads to anxiety, boredom, and sometimes destructive behavior.

Sharing intimate and affectionate moments is essential to one's emotional well-being.

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The need for security

A stable, predictable and secure environment is fundamental for a dog.

He must be able to develop in a place where he feels protected, without excessive stress or sudden changes.

Respecting house rules, a consistent routine, and avoiding violence are essential for him to feel calm.

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In summary

Respecting the dog's fundamental needs means respecting what it is deep down: a sensitive, social and active being.

By meeting these essential needs, you guarantee your companion a balanced, fulfilling and harmonious life... and you also strengthen your daily bond.

At Les Gourmandises d'Ika , we believe that meeting your dog's needs also means offering them suitable natural activities: healthy chewing, scent games, moments of sharing... Discover our 100% natural selections for happy dogs!