As a dog lover, you want your dog to have everything you think will make him happy. There are a lot of important considerations, from daily walks and dog parks to toys.
However, there are some things that you may be overlooking as you work on making your dog happy. There are plenty of things that you can do at home to make your dog feel more secure, loved, and healthy.
Most dog owners want to do what they can to help their pets live happy lives. And with good reason, as a dog’s health has a direct impact on his quality of life and yours.
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Fortunately, there are many things you can do from a health standpoint, as well as an emotional one, to help your dog live a happier, healthier life.
How do you know if your dog is happy? Just like humans, dogs express emotion through their behaviors. If your dog is barking, whining, or chewing, it might be saying something about how it is feeling.
But these can also be signs that your dog is anxious or in pain. Your dog is trying to tell you something when it acts like this—it is trying to show you that it is unhappy.
1. Make Sure to Find Time for Your Dog Everyday
If you think that a dog is just a pet, you will be surprised to hear that they are considered a family member. Dogs are not just man’s best friend. They are also a child’s best friends.
Dogs provide unconditional love, loyalty, and joy to their family members. They are always happy to see you when you return home; they are always full of energy and are ready to play with you.
Their presence not only brings happiness to your family but they increase the overall health and well-being of family members.
2. Buy Your Pet Some Toys
A dog provides endless hours of fun for you, and it’s important to give them toys and chew treats that will keep them happy and healthy.
When looking for toys, it’s best to avoid toys with a squeaker and buy ones that won’t easily break into small pieces. In the end, be sure to choose toys based on your pet’s play style and personality!
3. Let Your Dog Play With Other Fur Friend
Dogs are known for playing together, but sometimes they like to play with other species. Dogs are naturally socialized animals, and guess what? Sometimes they enjoy playing with cats.
If you let your dog play with another dog or a cat, they will not suffer any bad effects. The only thing that will happen is the two animals will have fun the whole day.
4. Make Sure to Change Up His Meal Sometimes
As a dog approaches middle age, his meals need to be adjusted to ensure that he’s getting the right amount of nutrition. The best way to do this is to ensure that each meal has a bit of variety.
A good rule of thumb is having a protein (chicken or beef), a vegetable (broccoli or carrots), and a carbohydrate (rice or pasta). This will ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients that he needs, making him happier for sure.
5. Buy Him Only Comfortable Dog Clothes
How do you buy dog clothes for your large dog? If you’ve ever shopped for clothes for your beloved dog, you may have found that there are not many dog clothes available.
Your dog may have to settle for the old, beat-up sweater from Grandma or stay naked. Make sure to keep your dog comfortable, so he is happy.
6. Provide Treats That He Enjoys
A lot of people believe that dogs should not be fed human food and treats. Make sure to get him the right treatment that he enjoys.
It is common folk wisdom that dogs need a diet consisting of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. This belief is most likely the result of the fact that dogs and humans have different nutritional needs.
Dogs need a diet that consists of 30% protein, 30% vegetables, and 30% carbohydrates, but a vegan diet consisting of only 30% of each of these three types of food would not be appropriate for dogs.
7. Teach Some Tricks in a Fun Way
How many times have you asked your dog to do something, only to be met with a blank stare?
The reason why he doesn’t respond isn’t that he’s disobedient or just being difficult; your dog has a hard time understanding what you’re asking of him.
He can’t read your mind, so you have to teach him what you want him to do in a way that he can make sense of.
8. You Can Travel With Your Dog, Avoid Leaving Him Behind
If your dog is like most, you are a well-established team of two. He’s your constant companion, there by your side through thick and thin. You share life’s ups and downs, and he makes you happier through it all.
You wouldn’t ever leave him at home while you travel because he needs to be with you. The only problem is how to bring your dog along when you plan a trip.
9. Keep Him Out of Cages to be Happier
Dogs are the best pets, but a few things can go wrong if you aren’t prepared for a dog’s behavior. One of the biggest problems is separation anxiety, which causes a dog to panic when you’re gone.
Separation anxiety is caused by a lack of training, an unstable or abusive home environment, or a dog that lacks attention from its owner.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help him calm down. Make sure not to put him in cages when this happen. You can try to discipline him but not in cages.
10. Stroll and Play With Your Dog, Especially During Weekends
Dogs tend to be playful and energetic. They are also quite social animals meaning they enjoy interacting with other animals. These two reasons alone make them a lot more active than you might think.
It’s recommended that you spend 15 to 20 minutes everyday bonding with your dog. Whether you take your dog for a walk, play a game of fetch in the yard, or simply give them some attention, it’s vital that you do this every day or at least during the weekends.
11. Hold Your Dog Gently, especially When He is On a Leash.
Dog lovers love dogs. But some of us might need a gentle reminder about how to treat a dog. When you are walking your dog, always hold him gently.
When you are holding your dog on a leash, make sure you hold him with two hands. One hand should be on the leash, and the other hand should be underneath your dog to support him. This will keep him steady and happy.
12. You Can Let Your Dog Sleep on the Side of Your Bed
Just about everyone will admit that their pup is a good companion, and lots of them will even allow their pets to sleep in the bedroom. You can also do this, and this will improve your relationship with your dog a lot better.
A Happy Dog Means A Happy Fur Parent
The term “man’s best friend” gets thrown around a lot, but that’s because it’s so true. Our pets add so much quality to our lives, and the bond we share with them is unlike any other relationship.
When you have a dog, you have a best friend for life, and the benefits of that friendship are endless. Of course, the most obvious benefit is that you get the unconditional love that only a puppy can provide. (I mean, that’s what dogs do best!)
But there are lots of other benefits of dog ownership that go way beyond the warm and fuzzies.
Your dog is a part of your family. It is natural for you to want your pet to be happy and ensure that your dog has the best life possible.
While many experts have ideas on making your pet happy, there is no one size fits all solution. You can certainly look to various resources for suggestions on how to make your dog happy, but you do not need a collection of experts to tell you what you already know when it comes to your dog.
Some of the best ways to make your pet happy are the simplest, like giving your dog plenty of exercise, daily attention, and opportunities to socialize with humans and other dogs. Having a pet dog is truly a gift and a blessing.
