National Wellness Month in August serves as a helpful reminder to prioritize the health and wellbeing of you and your dog. Wellness can take a variety of forms, but finding ways to boost physical, mental, and emotional health can be a great way to improve your life and your pup’s, so we’ve compiled a few tips for you and your furry family member.
TRY FUN EXERCISES
Exercising with your furry friend can be a fun way to add more activity to their day while helping them reduce boredom, boost their cardiovascular health and muscle strength, and promote longevity (some of the very benefits humans can experience, too). Whether you’re into doggie yoga (aka “doga”), hiking, or even creating an obstacle course for an enriching indoor space, the exercise you can do together can be an entertaining way to approach wellness.
MAKE HEALTHY TREATS
Consider incorporating more fruit and veggies into your day. You and your pup can enjoy many dog-safe fruits and veggies together, such as apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, mango, and watermelon—all of which are packed with vital nutrients. Plus, since it’s summertime, you can make frozen treats like popsicles and fruit smoothies to enjoy together and stay cool in the heat.
It is important to note that dogs should eat treats in moderation. Please consult your vet before introducing new items into their diet. Any fruit or veggies given should not have a core or seeds and should be served plain.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE SPA
A spa day is the ultimate pampering for dogs and humans alike. Maintaining a hygiene routine plays a key role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For dogs, in particular, spa treatments like tooth brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and baths can help prevent infections from developing.
Ahead of National Wellness Month, why not plan a trip to the spa for both you and your furry family member? Drop your pup off at a Dogtopia near you for spa treatments while you make your way to the (human) spa! By the time you pick them up, you can both feel rejuvenated.
REGULAR CHECK-UPS
Regular check-ups and screenings can play a big role in helping you stay on top of your wellness and prevent potential health issues—the same goes for your furry friend. From doctor and vet visits to dental cleanings, you can both maintain your overall wellbeing, and National Wellness Month is the perfect time to schedule these visits.
SPEND TIME PETTING YOUR DOG
This may seem like an easy tip, but National Wellness Month can be a reminder to implement it more into both of your days, as the health benefits of petting your pup are incredible! Johns Hopkins Medicine says that petting a dog can lower cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone), boost oxytocin (aka the “feel-good” hormone), and lower blood pressure. Petting your dog can also help you bond, which is a plus for both of your emotional wellbeing.
GO ON DAILY WALKS
If you can, taking walks with your pup can be a great way to bond while receiving all the health benefits of walking. For humans, walking can help improve cardiovascular health, increase energy, boost memory, enhance mental and emotional wellbeing, improve bone strength, prevent weight gain, and more, according to the American Heart Association. For our canine companions, going on walks can result in many of the same benefits, including weight control and improving cardio and joint health.
Going on walks can also be a great way to socialize your dog—and yourself! If you’re looking to meet other pet parents, daily walks can be a great way to do it. Plus, it can help your pup become accustomed to new and unfamiliar environments and other dogs.
SCHEDULE DOGGIE DAYCARE
At Dogtopia, we prioritize dogs’ health and wellness every day. With team-led activities and brain games to engage in mind-stimulating learning opportunities, fun exercises to rack up to 60k steps in a day, tons of socialization, and more, daycare can be a safe and secure space for your pup to become an even greater canine citizen. And with our live webcams, you can watch all the fun and rest assured your dog is well taken care of.
Contact your local Dogtopia today to get their daycare journey started.
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