If you’re a dog owner, there’s no doubt you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure your pup is happy and healthy. In general, owners are devoted to their dogs and will go to any lengths to optimize their well-being.
However, improving your dog’s day-to-day routine may not require as much effort as you think. In fact, there are some simple yet effective ways to ensure your dog’s happiness. For inspiration, take a look at these five ways to enhance your dog’s life:
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1. Create a Routine
Dogs thrive when they have a routine they can rely on. It lets them know what to expect and can therefore reduce stress and anxiety. Although you don’t want your dog to become too used to any one routine, sticking to a daily schedule can make yours and your pup’s life easier and more enjoyable.
Try to feed your pet around the same time each day, for example, so that they know they won’t miss out on a meal and start begging incessantly. Similarly, walk your dog at regular intervals so that they get enough exercise. Once you get into a routine with your dog, providing the day-to-day care they need becomes second nature.
2. Try a Raw Food Diet
Feeding your dog top-quality food is a sure-fire way to improve their health and many owners find that a raw food diet provides everything their pet needs. With help from raw dog food specialists, like Bella & Duke, you can find out everything you need to know about switching your pet from standard dog food to a premium quality raw diet. As well as making sure your pup gets all the nutrients they need, choosing raw dog food from Bella & Duke can make your life easier too. Their hassle free dog food subscription and delivery means you can get their food sent straight to your door and you’ll never run out of meals again!
3. Banish Boredom
Boredom can have a negative impact on anyone, but it’s particularly problematic when it comes to dogs. If your pup is prone to anxiety, letting them get bored can exacerbate their symptoms and make them feel stressed out. In addition to this, boredom often prompts unwanted behavior, such as chewing the furniture or chronic barking.
By keeping your dog mentally stimulated, you can banish boredom and ensure your pup is always entertained. To do this, play games that challenge your dog and require them to think. Hide treats or their favorite toys around the house, for example, and give your dog a treasure hunt to complete. Alternatively, use interactive toys that encourage your dog to think before they’re rewarded with a treat.
4. Give Them Undivided Attention
Your dog loves nothing more than spending time with you and having your undivided attention is the best thing in their life. When you’ve got a busy schedule or you’re rushing around trying to get things done, it’s easy to overlook how important it is to give your dog undivided attention. Instead of fitting in a quick walk between tasks or absentmindedly petting them while you’re watching TV, aim to give them blocks of undivided attention. Just 10-15 minutes of your time will mean the world to your dog and spending quality time with your pup can help to reduce your stress levels too.
5. Give Your Dog a Choice
For the most part, you'll make the majority of the decisions that shape your dog's life. While there's no doubt you'll have their best intentions at heart, this can be frustrating for dogs who want to be a little more independent. From time-to-time, let your dog lead the way and give them a choice over what they do. Additionally, providing the best joint supplement for dogs can greatly support their mobility and overall joint health.
Letting them navigate a route on your walks or encouraging them to choose a new toy to play with gives them a little bit of control and encourages them to stay mentally alert. Of course, you’ll want to ensure your dog stays safe at all times but giving them free rein in some environments can be a healthy way to let them express themselves and blow off steam.
Is Your Dog Happy?
Most owners are pretty in tune with their dog’s moods, but you can tell if your dog’s happy by looking out for particular signs. A high and wagging tail is a sure sign that your dog is pleased, for example. Similarly, floppy, relaxed ears are a sign that your dog is free from stress and contentment, while pinned-back ears can be a sign of anxiety or aggression. Another thing to look out for is your dog’s belly. If they fall asleep on their back or roll over so you can tickle their belly, it’s a sign that they’re relaxed and that they trust you.
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