Pamper Your Pooch: 6 Ways To Treat Your Dog And Keep Them Healthy

Did you know that your dog can get stressed too? And just like us, they benefit from pampering and self-care. If you've ever felt anxious, had trouble sleeping or been a little blue during the winter months, you'll relate to why dogs need some tender loving care once in a while.

Keeping your dog healthy means being on top of many different factors. But you still want to treat your fur baby. So how do you find the balance? Here is a list of 6 ways you can pamper your dog and keep them healthy at the same time.

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Get Them A Cozy Bed Or Cushion

Your dog may love sleeping on your bed or couch, but it's not the most comfortable place. If you want to help your pup relax and snooze in the best way possible, get them a bed or cushion made specifically for them. These also help protect your furniture from any stains or accidental scratching. Don't forget to wash their bedding regularly to keep it clean and fresh for your dog. If your dog is a senior or has joint pain, memory foam or an orthopedic dog bed will provide the support they need.

Don't Forget To Feed Them Good Food – And Lots Of It!

If you want to pamper your dog, the first thing you should do is stop overfeeding them and start feeding them nutritious food. Many people assume that dogs like to be overfed, but that's not the case. If you overfeed your dog, they are more likely to gain weight, get sick and have joint pain.

Your dog doesn't need a diet that's low in fat since they need the fat content to support their skin and coat. Instead, choose a high-quality dog food rich in protein and contains essential fatty acids. Dog food should have a minimum of 22% protein and a maximum of 10% fat. Check these Freshpet reviews for an idea of quality dog food.

Make It A Point To Cuddle With Them Every Day

We've all heard that dogs are man's best friend, but many people don't understand how much they love to cuddle. If you want to pamper your dog and build a stronger relationship with them, make a point to cuddle with them every single day. Dogs love to be held, cuddled and loved on, so make cuddling with them a priority. This not only helps you create a stronger bond with your dog, but it also helps them feel loved and secure.

Play Enrichment Games

Dogs are excellent problem solvers and love to use their brains, but many owners don't take the time to provide enrichment activities for their pooch. If you have the time and patience, you can teach your dog new tricks or play games that will exercise their brain. Playing fetch, going on walks, or even playing tug-of-war are great activities to help your dog stay active and use their brain. Many toys can help stimulate your dog's brain, such as puzzle feeders and treat dispensers.

Sneak In Some Exercise

Dogs with a daily exercise routine are less likely to get sick, have less joint pain and be happier overall. The best way to help your dog stay active is to walk them daily. An average-sized dog should walk for 30 minutes a day to stay healthy, while smaller dogs should walk for 15 minutes. Depending on your dog's health, you may want to adjust the walking time accordingly. If you have a very active dog, you may want to increase the time they walk each day. If you have a less active or older dog, you may want to cut their walking time back a bit.

Talk To Your Dog

Dogs are excellent listeners and love when you talk to them, but many owners don't make a habit of this. Talk to them if you want to pamper your dog and make them feel loved. Let them know you appreciate them and are important to you by talking to them and praising them when they do something good. It's also good to speak to your dog when they aren't doing something right, such as chewing something they shouldn't or barking too much.