Living in a house with two teens whose moods fluctuate every two minutes, our cavapoo Harper is often a welcome source of consistency in our home. She’s always happy to see us, and is never grumpy. She also doesn’t answer back which is why she is often my favourite!
Here are my tips for having a happy and healthy dog.
1 Diet
Remember you are the boss when it comes to your dogs diet. Because if they had it their way they would have a seat at the table with you for every meal. And whilst it can be really hard to resist those soulful eyes pleading with you, dogs can have sensitive stomachs.
Probiotics are a great way to support your dogs gut health and digestion. They may help with gas and loose stools. If you find your dog doing a lot of paw licking, head shaking, ear scratching, it can be a sign of a yeast imbalance. I thought for ages that Harper had allergies, and tried everything to stop her ear scratching and paw licking. But now I know it was a yeast imbalance. The PetLab Co probiotics have really reduced her symptoms and she loves them as a tasty treat, so there’s no trying to hide them in her food, or wrapping them in cheese!
2 Exercise
I always think there is nothing happier than a dog running around a field, or getting zoomies on the beach. Exercise is essential for their health and well being in much the same way it is for humans. That’s why I believe recall is the most important skill to teach your dog, so you are able to let them run free where it is safe to do so.
A walk around the block is also a great way to exercise your dog and just as beneficial for them. Taking them on a sniff walk can tire them out as much as running around the dog park.
3 Enrichment
Enrichment is really important to keep dogs occupied and happy. And it only needs to be for a short period each day. Studies have shown that enrichment can improve optimism in animals. Enrichment can be in the following forms:
- Food (Snuffle mats and destruction boxes)
- Sensory (Things like scent games and sniff walks
- Social (Time with people and other animals)
- Environment (Visiting new places)
4 Grooming
Certain breeds require more grooming that others. Harper is half poodle so goes for a wash, cut and blow dry every 6-8 weeks. It’s important that all dogs have their paws checked regularly and claws clipped.
The more you can get your pup used to the bath and the sound of the hairdryer, the less anxious they will be in these situations.
5 Regular vet checks
Regular vet checks are essential to ensure your pup is up to date with their vaccinations. Visiting once a year can help identify any health conditions that require treatment. As dogs get older routine appointments should be every 6 months.
6 Oral Hygiene
Dogs can get tooth decay too. Regular brushing helps fight this along with bad breath. Not only are dental problems painful for dogs, they are painful for the owners wallet too!
7 Flea and Worm treatments
When I watch programs like For The Love of Dogs, it breaks my heart when dogs come in covered in fleas, and seeing how uncomfortable it makes them, and the damage to their skin. Flea and work treatments are an essential part of your dogs routine, whatever plan you are on.
Harper is always very happy to have her tablet because it is normally wrapped in cheese!
8 Socialisation
Dogs are social animals. Some prefer us humans to their own kind, but others love their dog friends and human friends in equal measure. It’s important your dog gets to socialise, and to the opposite spectrum, isn’t left alone for long periods of time.
9 Playing
Whether your pup loves to play ball or tug, playtime is essential. Dogs play because of their natural instincts, and its great for bonding too. Active play is good for their hearts and joints. Mental play is good for their brains and focus.
When dogs do not receive enough mental stimulation they can get bored. This can lead to disruptive behaviour or depression.
10 Belly rubs
And of course, essential for a happy pup are the beloved belly rubs.
Conclusion
It’s such a privilege to have these furry bundles of love in our lives. It’s our job to advocate for them and make sure they are happy and healthy
This post is sponsored by PetLab Co
The PetLab Co probiotic soft chews are designed to support your dog’s gut health, digestion, and immune system. Key benefits include:
- Vet-reviewed
- Nutritionist & Vet formulated
- Manufactured in the USA with ingredients sourced around the world
- Enriched with premium ingredients like a proprietary blend of probiotics, prebiotics & postbiotics
- Backed by a 29-day clinical study that showed using Probiotic Chew daily enhances beneficial gut bacteria
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