A man’s best friend is his dog. But what if his dog isn’t actually his friend? Do you consider the animal a member of the family and should you hug it whenever you see it?
In 2022, the global market for dog food and treats was valued at US$16.9 billion.1 Furthermore, the popularity of dog cafes and dog-themed bars is on the rise, suggesting that people are taking their dogs with them to socialise and get some human-animal interaction.
While you might argue that your average dog certainly shares some of the same physical needs as a man – notably, food and water – you wouldn’t necessarily say that it has your best interests at heart. That is, unless you happen to be a vegetarian and it is carnivorous towards humans.
Since dogs don’t have the biological ability to produce vitamin C, they need to consume it in order to stay healthy. And, although dogs have been shown to be natural hosts of the tapeworm parasites, they can also become infected with them and suffer the negative consequences, ranging from diarrhoea to malabsorption. So, if you think that your dog’s diet might be contributing to its poor health or that it is infected with tapeworms, you might want to change its eating habits and give it some antibiotics.
Meanwhile, another danger that your dog could encounter is the risk of salmonella poisoning. This is more likely if it has consumed raw meat or contaminated water, either of which could be contained in feces from other dogs or animals. For this reason, you should wash your hands and the surfaces that your dog comes into contact with after touching it or its food.
When your dog is sick, you might want to give it some chicken soup, moistened with a little milk, as this has been shown to be effective in relieving intestinal infections. But if this doesn’t agree with its gastrointestinal tract, you should consult your vet so that he can prescribe you the appropriate medication.
In short, dogs are living creatures and just like us, they are exposed to the same threats and risks when it comes to their health. This is why you need to look after them as best you can and make sure that they are not suffering.
Viability As a Meal Replacement
While you might want to feed your dog various foods to ensure that its body functions are suitably fueled, there is also evidence that simply feeding it can be beneficial to its health. In fact, a growing body of research suggests that food might be more important to the health of dogs than their owners realise. And what is perhaps most encouraging is that as dogs have become increasingly popular as a pet species, scientists have begun to explore the unique nutritional and physiological requirements of this cute and cuddly animal.
In the Journal of Animal Science, Dr Inka Versteeg of Utrecht University in the Netherlands and her colleagues described how their team was tasked with determining whether dogs had the same nutritional needs as humans do. The answer, according to the researchers, was a resounding yes.
The team surveyed 15 nutritionists from around the world and posed them the question: in addition to normal food, what are the special dietary needs of a dog? Four distinct categories of food emerged: fat-rich foods, carbohydrate foods, vitamin-rich foods, and mineral foods. Interestingly, the scientists noted that while dogs need more fat and fewer carbohydrates than humans do, this is not always the case. Instead, the nutritional needs of dogs are largely determined by their breed.
For instance, German Shepherds and Great Danes, two commonly found dog breeds, have a higher fat requirement than other dogs because of their meat-based diets. This makes them more likely to become overweight if they consumed the same number of calories as humans do. But, on the plus side, this makes them more suitable for serving as active hunters because they require more energy to chase down their prey.
Similarly, certain dog breeds, such as Saint Bernards and Pomeranians, have a higher carbohydrate requirement than other dogs because of their sweet tooth. These dogs are often referred to as ‘Pesky Bears’ because of their need to keep their blood sugar levels steady by consuming lots of sweets. While this might seem like a disadvantage to humans who want to keep their weight in check, the trait could actually be considered beneficial if you are a dog owner. After all, it is well-established that dogs with higher blood sugar levels tend to have longer life expectancies.
What about the other three categories of food that the survey found to be essential for a dog’s diet? Vitamin-rich foods are required for a dog’s health in the same way that humans need supplements and vitamin-rich foodstuffs to keep themselves healthy. For example, liver contains vital vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a dog’s wellbeing. However, it should be noted that dogs cannot produce some of the vitamins and minerals that they need in order to stay healthy. So, while it is okay for them to consume these substances in the form of fortified foods or supplements, they cannot make up for nutrition deficiencies by simply eating healthy food.
Meanwhile, mineral foods are also vital for a dog’s health. For instance, calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, while phosphorus is required for energy production and cell division at a cellular level. These substances cannot be made by dogs and they must be consumed in order to stay healthy. Although dogs cannot make vitamin C either, they can certainly benefit from it in the same way that humans do. And just like humans, dogs need sufficient amounts of vitamin C in order to avoid illness and maintain good health.
In conclusion, dogs are no different to us in terms of their nutritional requirements. While it is often said that dogs are ‘man’s best friend’, this might not be entirely accurate. On the contrary, feeding your dog the right food and ensuring that it is not deficient in any way can help to make it a better companion and, in some instances, even save its life. So, if you are thinking of adopting a dog, make sure that it is well bred and healthy both physically and mentally.
A Role In Washing Your Face
Face washing is an important part of maintaining good health. And whilst you might think that it is only significant in the context of removing facial skin parasites such as ticks and mosquitoes, the truth is that your face is part of a larger body system called the ‘Immune System’.
Just like humans have a system of hairs that cleanses and protects their body from bacteria and viruses, dogs have a similar internal ‘cleansing system’. This system, which consists of glands, sweat, and oil, acts as a natural protection against bacteria and germs. In fact, just like with your hair, regular face washing will help to keep your dog’s skin looking lively and clean. It also promotes healthy teeth and gums, preventing the build-up of tartar and plaque.
You might want to wash your dog’s face every other day, or whenever you feel that it needs it. Just like with humans, not all dogs will need face washing every day, so the frequency of your washings will depend on your dog’s breeding and lifestyle.
Protecting Them From The Cold
A common misconception is that dogs need an open window through which to breathe. In fact, dogs can adequately regulate their body temperatures and do not need as much oxygen as we do in order to stay healthy. Furthermore, if you keep your dog in a warm room, it will be less likely to go outside and catch a cold. This is why you should always ensure that your dog is warm and comfortable when outdoors in the winter.
In order to keep your dog warm, you might want to wrap it in a warm woolly jacket or put it in a warm car to transport it to the vet. Alternatively, you could feed it hot dogs, which are high in calories and can act as a temporary heat source. But, in general, a heat source will do just fine.
Elevating Their Mental Wellbeing
Dogs have similar mental faculties to humans. Studies have shown that they are able to recognise different human voices and can differentiate between different emotions, such as happiness and sadness. If you want your dog to be content and relaxed, you could play with it mentally, or give it treats and snacks to make a positive association between feeding and positive feelings. This could help elevate their mental wellbeing and create a peaceful environment in your home.
The reverse is also true. If your dog is having a bad day or is acting confused, it could be because it is low on energy or feels unwell. You could take this opportunity to feed it some food containing B-complex vitamins, or vitamins E and C, which are known for their antioxidant properties and ability to boost the immune system.