8 Ways You Can Improve Your Dogs Quality of Life in 2024
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It’s the start of a New Year which means most of us are planning our goals and resolutions that will improve our lives in 2024. While improving our lives is always a great idea, it’s important not to forget about our furry friends. Our dogs bring so much joy and companionship into our lives, so as responsible pet owners, it’s essential to ensure that they lead happy and healthy lives as well. While you’re figuring out how to enhance your own life this year, don’t forget to set a plan on how you can improve your dogs life too. Today, I’m sharing 8 ways you can improve your dogs quality of life in 2024.
1. Exercise
Creating a consistent workout routine is the number one resolution people set every New Year. Did you know that just like humans, dogs also greatly benefit from regular exercise? You can drastically improve your dogs quality of life by ensuring that they get regular exercise every single day. Daily walks or runs and active playtime and activities such as fetch not only keep your pup physically fit but can also contribute to mental stimulation, preventing boredom and behavioral issues. Exercising your dog regularly is the easiest way to increase not only their quality of life, but their quantity of life as well. It’s been proven that fit and active dogs will live a much longer and healthier life.
2. Healthy Diet
Food is fuel, and this is true not just for humans but for dogs too. Providing a healthy, balanced diet for your dog is one of the most important things you can do to improve their quality of life. There are a plethora of dog food options out there from dry kibble, to raw diets, and even home cooked food. What works best for one dog isn’t necessarily going to be what works best for the next dog. It’s important to discuss the pros and cons of every dog food option with your dogs veterinarian to decide what works best for your pup and for you as well.
3. Mental Stimulation
Have you ever wondered why your dog won’t stop chewing on your furniture or getting into the trash? A bored dog is a bad dog, which is why mental stimulation is so important for your pup. Keeping your dog’s mind engaged with activities such as puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions will keep them entertained and discourage bad behaviors, boredom, and even anxiety. Dogs also need mental stimulation in order to feel tired and well exercised. Physical exercise is great, but mental exercise is a sure fire way to tire out an active dog. If you’ve ever noticed that your dog is still full of energy after a mile long walk, try incorporating some mental stimulation into their daily routine.
4. Regular Vet Check-Ups
The vet isn’t only for sick pets. Routine wellness exams are incredibly important to monitor your dogs health and catch potential issues early. Your dog should be receiving an annual check up where they get updated vaccine boosters, have their body, eyes, and ears checked, and as they get older, routine bloodwork is important as well. If your pup hasn’t received a wellness exam in awhile, schedule one for the New Year to help improve their quality of life for 2024.
5. Social Interaction
Dogs are social animals, and most of them benefit greatly from having other dog and human friends outside of their household. I am not a huge proponent of dog parks or dog daycare, but, arranging for puppy playdates with dogs you’re familiar with or joining group training classes are great ways to introduce your dog to friends and give them a bit of a social life. Dogs learn a lot by watching other dogs, so giving them friends is a great way to work on positive behaviors.
6. Grooming
Regular grooming is not just about keeping your dog looking good, it’s also crucial for their health. Brushing your dog’s coat, trimming their nails, and brushing their teeth regularly is important to monitor their health and keep infections and other issues at bay. If you have a long or curly haired dog, professional grooming appointments are also so important to avoid extreme matting which can cause major skin infections for your dog.
7. Regular Training
Consistent training not only enhances your dog’s behavior but also strengthens your relationship. You should be working on basic commands, leash manners, and positive reinforcement every day to keep your dogs behavior where it needs to be. Most dogs enjoy learning, and so regular training is a fun activity for them. Plus, you’re much more likely to enjoy your dog if they live up to your behavioral expectations. A well-behaved dog is a happy dog.
8. Love and Attention
Dogs thrive on love and attention from their owners. They want to feel safe and wanted by their people. Spend quality time bonding with your pup through cuddles, petting, and doing activities that they enjoy together. Having a strong bond with your dog is sure to contribute significantly to their emotional well-being.
Improving your dog’s life involves a combination of factors from physical health to emotional well-being. By incorporating these simple yet effective practices into your routine, you’ll ensure that your canine companion leads a fulfilling and joyful life.