Tips for a Healthier, Happier Dog
When you’re a pet parent the best part of your day can be coming home to your happy, tail-wagging dog. Few things bring as much joy, and there are even scientific studies to back that up. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, when you interact with your dog the feel good hormone, oxytocin, increases. In fact, just petting a dog reduces stress hormones. And why wouldn’t it considering the amount of love and loyalty your furry friend has for you.
In return, how can you make your dog happy? Whether you’re a new dog owner or a long-time dog parent, these tips and tricks will help make sure your canine buddy is living their best life.
The right amount of attention
Dogs are social creatures and need human attention. They respond to our emotional cues and tone and thrive on positive human interaction. It helps them feel secure, loved, and mentally stimulated. Depending on your dog’s age and breed, they need around a couple of hours of time with you in a day. Set aside time to play and cuddle with them. Walks and playing with toys will keep them active and their brain stimulated. You could also include them in whatever you are doing, for example: keeping them by your side while you are reading.
Dogs also thrive on routine and habit, so make sure you stick to timings, whether it be for a walk or a meal.
Exercise is key for dog health
Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy both physically and mentally. Much like us, physical activity helps reduce anxiety in dogs. It also prevents obesity and behavioral issues.
Based on how old your dog is, the amount of play time they need varies. If you’re a puppy parent, be ready for lots of energy. But don’t worry, your pup needs a lot of rest too, so opt for short bursts of physical activity when they are awake.
Adult dogs need a minimum of half hour of play a day. Depending on their breed and size, you could run with them, play catch or even allow them to swim.
Senior dogs may be slower but physical activity is important for them as it can improve the quality of their life and keep their bones and joints flexible and strong. Take them for slow-paced walks and play gentle fetch.
Create a safe and comfortable environment
It is important to create a cozy, safe space for your dog. This goes a long way towards providing them with security and a feeling of contentment.
Dog bed:
Get a good quality dog bed and place it somewhere comfortable, clean and dry. Consider an orthopedic or memory foam mattress if you have an older dog.
Hazard-free zone:
Dogs are curious and love to get into everything from the trash to the garden, especially if they are left alone. Make sure your home is clear of anything that could be dangerous or poisonous to them. Always keep things like chocolate and fertilizer on a high shelf or cupboard.
Toys and chewies:
According to the RSPCA, toys and chews keep your furry friend stimulated and happy. But remember to wash and clean their toys regularly to avoid buildup of mold and bacteria.
Safe space:
Dogs need a break too. Especially, if you have people visiting or they are feeling overstimulated. Holidays in particular can be challenging, whether it’s 4th of July fireworks or a constantly ringing doorbell at Christmas time. Give them a quiet, temperature-controlled space they can escape to any time they need a break.
It’s all in the diet
If you’ve been experiencing some issues with your pet like lethargy or itchy skin, you may be wondering how to make your dog happier. While consistent grooming is always recommended, a healthy, wholesome diet makes all the difference to your furry-friend’s well-being. A high-quality diet not only builds their immune system and gives them a shinier coat, it also boosts energy levels and gut health.
Make sure to provide high-quality, whole-food-based nutrition for your dog. Here at Nature’s Logic, we make natural, nutrient-dense dog food without any synthetic additives or fillers. We offer canned foods, dry foods, grain-free products and nutritious dog treats. Whether you have a pup or a senior dog, we’ve got the right food for your furry friend.
Your dog’s well-being goes beyond walks and giving them belly rubs. Even with the best care, they may have medical issues such as itchy skin, sensitive stomach and more. While a visit to the vet is a must, many times the issue may be diet related. Food intolerance or nutrient imbalance can lead to it. For example, artificial ingredients in food can cause tummy issues and lack of vitamins can make your dog lethargic. One way to monitor your dog’s digestive health is to look twice when picking up after them. Watery stools, mucus, blood streaks or discolorations like black, orange or green stools can indicate a more serious problem.
Switching to wholesome, high-protein foods such as the ones made by Nature’s Logic, may help address these concerns.
If you’ve been wondering how to make a pet happy, as you can see it isn’t very hard. Just give them love, attention, healthy food, exercise and a cozy place to rest. By focusing a bit more on these key areas, you’ll be giving them the healthiest, happiest life. Since dogs give us their best every day, it’s only fair we return the favor.
