One of the joys of owning a dog is being able to pamper him with treats and fun activities. If you’re looking to give your canine companion some extra-special love and attention, here are seven ways to safely spoil him.
1. Give Your Dog a Frozen Treat on a Hot Day
Just like us, dogs feel the heat on a warm day. Short-nosed pups, such as Pugs and French Bulldogs, have an even harder time with the hot weather. A frozen treat can help them cool off and is fun for them to eat. Consider stuffing a Kong or other hollow toy with peanut butter and putting it in the freezer for a few hours before giving it to your dog. You can even plug the tiny hole at the small end of the Kong and fill it with broth before freezing.
2. Take Your Dog to a Pet Supply Store and Let Him Choose a New Toy
Heading to the pet supply store with your dog is a fun social outing. All the sights and smells provide mental stimulation and an opportunity to socialize. Also, your dog can participate in filling your shopping cart. There are so many types of toys, from squeakers to chew toys. Rather than guessing what your dog might enjoy, you can let him explore the aisle to examine all the possibilities. It’s important to rotate your dog’s toys to prevent boredom, so adding a new one for Spoil Your Dog Day will be a fun surprise.
3. Buy Your Dog Some New Swag
Help your dog look his best with some fancy swag, like a new collar. For a personalized touch, get your dog’s name monogrammed on a fun design. You can add your phone number, too, in case your dog gets lost. Or try an LED collar that will light up your pup’s life.
Autumn is just around the corner, so a cozy, doggy sweater is another way to spoil your pet. These soft knit sweaters feature different animal motifs.
4. Give Your Dog a Massage
If your dog loves to be cuddled, then chances are he will love a massage. It will help him relax and ease any sore muscles. Use soft, sweeping motions along your dog’s body, avoiding any areas he doesn’t like to have touched. While your dog is getting spoiled with a spa session, you will be doing some important training. Getting your dog comfortable with being handled will make it easier to groom him, trim his nails, and brush his teeth.
5. Take Your Dog for a Swim
Many breeds, like the Labrador Retriever, are drawn to water like a magnet. For these naturally water-loving breeds, the chance to take a dip is a wonderful way to spoil them. Find a safe body of water, free of strong currents, and let your dog jump in. You can also toss a stick or ball into the water, so he can play fetch. If your dog has never been swimming before, go slowly, stay positive, and fit him with a life jacket so that he can perfect his doggy paddle.
If your dog isn’t interested in swimming or is a breed that isn’t suited to the activity, hook up a sprinkler in the yard and chase your dog through the spray.
6. Take Your Dog for a Hike or for a Romp in the Dog Park
Although it’s important for your dog to get physical exercise every day, a walk around the block won’t cut it if you’re trying to spoil your dog. Combine the two by taking your dog for a hike in the woods. The change of scenery and all the new smells will be wonderfully enriching. Just make sure to bring along fresh water and a bowl for your dog, as well as poop bags to clean up after any bathroom breaks.
The dog park is another place that combines mental and physical exercise. It also allows your pup to socialize to his heart’s content. He can run off-leash while making new friends. However, you should always keep an eye on your dog. Just because he’s friendly, doesn’t mean all the other visitors are, as well.
7. Bake Your Dog Some Treats
What dog doesn’t like treats? Try baking your pup some biscuits. You can tailor the recipe to his favorite foods with bacon or apple flavor, and because you control the ingredients, you know exactly what your dog is eating. Make sure to only include foods that aren’t harmful to your canine companion and consult your veterinarian before introducing anything new into your dog’s diet.
