Thank you to 5Strands for sending me a BlueGreen test to review. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. Summer is quickly coming to a close but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to end. Swimming is a favorite past …
My Siberian Husky, Luna, turned 5 years old yesterday which means it’s been almost exactly five years since I became a dog mom. I bought Luna as a 21st birthday present to myself after spending decades begging my parents for a husky, researching huskies, collecting …
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. The 2023 holiday season is officially upon us, and for many, that means spreading joy to all of our friends and family members through giving gifts. If you’re beginning your holiday shopping and looking for …
This post is sponsored by Brutus Bone Broth, all opinions are my own. Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, and as pet owners, we always want what’s best for them. From nutritious meals to cozy beds, we strive to provide our four-legged friends …
Dogs are an incredibly adaptable species, but that doesn’t change the fact that different breeds have different requirements in order to truly thrive. Because all dog breeds originated in different parts of the world and were bred for different purposes, what will help one dog thrive isn’t necessarily true for the next dog. There is a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the best dog breed for you, and climate is a major one. While some dogs do great in all weather conditions, there are breeds that will do much better in a warmer climate than others. If you live in a place that is hot year round, or tend to enjoy outdoor activities during the summer, you should consider a dog that can handle the heat. Today, I’m sharing 10 dog breeds that thrive in hot weather.
Note: It’s important to remember that even dogs who do well in warmer climates are at risk of heat stroke. You should always take the necessary precautions to keep your dog safe in hot weather such as never leaving them in a hot car and always providing access to fresh water.
Be aware of heat stroke symptoms such as excessive panting or drooling, lethargy, and dehydration. If you suspect your dog is experiencing heat exhaustion, take them to the nearest vet immediately.
1. Chihuahua
If you know anything about chihuahuas then you probably know that they’re known for their constant shaking. This is because a chihuahua’s small body and thin coat means that they’re frequently cold. Chihuahuas originated in Mexico, so it should be no surprise that they do better in warmer climates.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
If you’re looking for a breed that will want to be active with you all summer long, an Australian Cattle Dog (also frequently known as a heeler) is a great choice. These dogs come from Australia where the climate is extremely warm and they were bred to herd livestock, so they’re no stranger to working in hot conditions. They have a short, double coat, which protects their skin from sun damage while providing enough insulation to keep them warm when temperatures drop.
3. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a less common breed that does quite well in the heat. They’re originally from Afghanistan, a country known for it’s hot weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Despite having long hair, the Afghan Hound has a single layer coat so they’re able to stay cool in warmer weather.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Most small breeds do decently well in the heat compared to large breeds, and the Yorkshire Terrier is no different. They’re small stature and thin, single layer coat allow them to tolerate hot climates quite well. While yorkies are a small breed, they’re still terriers which means they are a ball of energy and personality.
5. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is a medium breed that is perfect for outdoor adventures during the summer. They have a short, wispy coat that doesn’t trap heat making them able to handle warm weather like champs.
6. Great Dane
Great Dane’s are a perfect breed for warmer climates because these dogs are known for being couch potatoes and won’t overexert themselves in extreme heat. They have short coats making them able to tolerate warm weather better than other giant breed dogs. However, because they have lazy personalities, if they get too hot they’re sure to go find a cool spot to rest.
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
The short coat and love for water makes this breed perfect for outdoor summer fun. GSP’s have short hair (it’s literally in their name!) so they’re unlikely to overheat in hot weather. They also love to swim and won’t hesitate to take a dip in a lake or pool if they get too hot. German Shorthaired Pointer’s are an extremely active breed, so make sure you watch them closely to ensure they don’t overexert themselves in the heat.
8. Greyhound
Greyhounds have a short coat and very lean body mass which makes them great dogs for hot climates as it would be difficult for them to overheat. Because of these traits, it’s easier for them to regulate their body temperature in hot climates vs cold climates.
9. Dachshund
Dachshund’s have a very adaptable personality, so they usually do just fine in any climate they’re acclimated to. Dachshunds do love to be warm and it isn’t uncommon to find them sunbathing on a hot day. They also have a thin coat, and so even the long haired variety can manage the heat just fine.
10. Vizsla
Vizsla’s are originally from Hungary and were bred to be able to withstand all climates. Their short, smooth coat makes it easy for them to tolerate the heat. Vizsla’s are a high energy breed and will do well with plenty of exercise, even when it’s extremely hot out.
While most dog breeds will adapt to any climate without too much issue, dogs that were bred to withstand cold temperatures may have a harder time adapting to extreme heat. These breeds include but are not limited to:
Another group of dogs that does not do well in the heat are short faced dogs known as brachycephalic dogs. These include any smushed faced breed such as pugs, bulldogs, or shih tzus. Because these dogs already have a difficult time breathing, the heat makes things much harder on them. If you own a brachycephalic dog, it’s best not to exercise them very much at all, especially in hot weather.
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Summer means vacation season and if you’re planning on taking your dog on any upcoming trips this year, you’ll need to be prepared with everything they need. Making a packing list is my favorite way …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Fourth of July is the highlight of summer for many American’s. Grilling out with friends, enjoying drinks by the pool, and all of the events such as fireworks and parades can be so much fun! …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Ice cream, popsicles, and other frozen treats are a grocery list essential all summer long in my house! Frozen treats are the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day for not only humans, but dogs too! If you’re looking for ways to keep your dog cool this summer, consider treating them to a homemade dog friendly “pup”sicle. Today, I’m going to share how to make single ingredient dog friendly popsicles.
Since human popsicles are often full of sugar and other additives that aren’t great for dogs to consume, it’s best not to share them with our pups. Luckily, making dog friendly popsicles is insanely easy!
When it comes to making pupsicles, you can get creative by using recipes such as this Tropical Pupsicles for Dogs Recipe, or, you can keep it very simple. In reality, all you really need to make a frozen treat for your dog is some fruit. There are very few fruits that dogs cannot eat, so your options are pretty much endless when it comes to making dog friendly popsicles.
To make a dog friendly popsicle, simply blend up any fruit of your choosing until you’re left with a liquid. Then, pour the juice into a silicone mold and freeze. Within hours you’ll have dog safe frozen treats that your pup can enjoy on a super hot day!
This is the perfect opportunity to use up any fruit in your kitchen that is going to go bad. You can get creative by combining several fruits for yummy combinations or keep it simple with just one type of fruit!
If you’re stuck on exactly which summer fruits would be best to make dog friendly popsicles, here are a few ideas:
All of these fruits contain different vitamins, minerals, and other health benefits for our furry friends. They’re great for hydrating in the summer and providing a fun yummy snack on a hot day.
If you make dog friendly popsicles for your pup, be sure to tag me in a photo on Instagram @thatonedogmom!
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. These days, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have an Amazon shopping addiction. The online retailer has everything you could need from household essentials to clothing and they don’t discriminate by species 😉 Amazon has …