Care requirements and costs: What every dog owner should know

So, you've brought a cute furry friend into your home and are now wondering how much care your beloved four-legged friend will need and how much it will cost? Don't worry, we've collected everything for you so that you know exactly what to expect.

Why the need for care is important

Okay, first of all: why should you worry about Care requirements and costs break? The answer is simple. A well-groomed dog is not only a beautiful figurehead, it also contributes significantly to the dog's health. A matted coat or excessively long claws can be unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous for the dog. A proper grooming schedule also has an impact on general hygiene in the home.

The influence of the dog breed

Who would have thought that a few strands of hair could cause such a fuss? Yes, it's true, grooming needs can vary considerably depending on the breed of dog. Here are some interesting facts:

• Long-haired versus short-haired: Obviously, long-haired dogs need more intensive grooming than their short-haired counterparts. Imagine you have an Afghan greyhound - its furry mane definitely demands your full attention in the grooming chaos.
• Breed characteristics: Some breeds, such as the Poodle, have a curly coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. A German Shepherd or Basset Hound, on the other hand, may have completely different grooming needs.

The basics of dog care

We've all been there: as soon as you know your way around the basic equipment, everything will run smoothly. But what equipment do you really need?

Important equipment for grooming:

• Brushes and combs: Depending on your dog's coat type, you will need special tools. A coarse-toothed brush can be worth its weight in gold for thick coats, while a fine-toothed comb is good for smaller tangles.
• Scissors or trimmer: If you dare, you can try to trim your dog's coat yourself. But make sure you don't accidentally become a poodle groomer!
• Shampoo: Shampoo specially developed for dogs is a must as it balances the pH value of the dog's skin and prevents skin irritation.

The importance of nail care

Don't forget the claws! Nails that are too long can lead to painful problems such as ingrown nails or injuries to the toes. So make sure you trim or file them regularly - with the necessary care, of course!

Professional grooming: regular visits to the groomer

Sometimes it's simply better to call in the professionals. A visit to the groomer can ease your dog's nerves and give your dog the much-loved treatment. However, you also have to factor in the costs:

• Kennel Cut: This is a universal haircut for dogs and can cost between 30 and 90 euros, depending on the breed and coat condition.
• Washing service: No water chaos in the bathtub at home! Depending on the size of the dog, this can cost between 15 and 50 euros.

Do it yourself? Here's how to do it!

One of the typical considerations for a dog owner is whether you want to take on the grooming work yourself. Do you want to save money and manage everything yourself? Then you must be prepared to invest time and effort.

Make sure you have a set plan for grooming each month. Make sure you have the right products in stock and, oh yes, patience is key! No master fell from the sky, and it's perfectly fine to help out with the help of dog grooming videos and books.

Care needs vs. costs: a balancing act

Ultimately, you have to decide what works best for you and your dog. The right Care requirements and costs should be in balance with each other. Sometimes reaching for a credit card for a professional appointment is unavoidable, but it's just as important to know when DIY is the way to go.

So, that's it! Whether DIY or with professionals - your dog relies on you to stay in top shape. So, let's go, grab the brush and show them what you've got!

We hope this brief insight has helped you to better understand what to expect and how you can master everyday care work with flying colours.

FAQs

What care needs are there?

There are different types of care requirements that are tailored to specific needs. These include

• Care allowance, which is paid directly to those in need of care so that they can organise themselves.
• Long-term care benefits in kind, which are intended for outpatient care by professional services.
• Combined benefit, whereby care allowance and benefits in kind can be combined.
• Relief amount, which provides support in everyday life.
• Preventive care, which steps in when the normal carer is temporarily unavailable.
• Short-term care, which comes into play in special emergencies.
• Day and night care that supplements home care.
• Digital apps for health and care, which are becoming increasingly popular.

What is meant by care needs?

The need for care refers to the actual or potential amount of care support required by those in need of care. This is the assistance required to meet the basic needs of individuals in need of care.

What counts as care needs?

Care needs include many aspects of daily life that would be difficult without support. These include

• The procurement of food, medicines and everyday necessities.
• Cleaning the flat and personal effects.
• The care of body and bed linen to ensure appropriate hygiene.
• The heating of the living space, including the procurement of heating material.