4 Ways to Pamper Your Dog This Spring

4 Ways to Pamper Your Dog

by Bob Lee

If you’re a pet parent to a furry dog, you want to pamper them every day. Just like humans, dogs need a range of nutritious foods, physical activities, cognitive stimulation, and play in order to thrive and be healthy. And, just like humans, our dogs can feel stressed, sad, and upset. Pampering them is an excellent way to support wellness for your pup.

Your dog is your best friend, and there are tons of ways to show them love and pamper them this spring. From taking your dog on an extra walk throughout the day to giving them a few extra healthy treats, here’s everything you need to know! 

4 Ways to Pamper Your Dog- Make Homemade Treats

One of the best ways to pamper your dog is to make homemade treats. Treats from the store can contain harmful ingredients that do more harm than good for your pup’s health. However, with homemade treats, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in your dog’s food. 

Consider this recipe for Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Treats below. 

What You’ll Need: 

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour or a wheat alternative, like oats. 
• 2 large eggs.
• ½ cup of fresh or frozen pumpkin, pureed.
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of water, or more if necessary.

Here are a few easy steps to follow:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, stirring until combined.
• Transfer to a lightly floured counter top or work surface and mix with your hands until the mixture forms a dough. If it’s not quite a dough consistency, add more water a teaspoon at a time. Keep in mind this dough should be dry and stiffer than normal dough, so don’t add too much water.
• Roll the dough until about ½ an inch thick. Cut into your desired shapes and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake your treats for about 40 minutes and let cool completely before giving them to your pup.

4 Ways to Pamper Your Dog- Spend Time Outside

Another way you can pamper your dog and support your own self care and mental health is to spend some extra time outdoors. Spending time outside is excellent for everyone, but it’s a great way to bond with your pup and give them the exercise and play they need. 

Head to your favorite walking trail, your dog’s favorite dog park, or ask a friend for a doggy play date. Spending time outside is a great way to soothe mental stress, boost energy, support energy, and get exercise, for both you and your canine companion. 

Next time you want to pamper your pup, grab the leash and head outdoors. 

4 Ways to Pamper Your Dog- Offer Cognitive Stimulation

An excellent way to enrich your canine’s life is with some cognitive stimulation and brain games. Dogs spend a lot of time during the day napping and playing by themselves, so offering mental stimulation that exercises their brains is critical.

Here are a few ideas to try out. 

DIY Obstacle Course

If your pup loves to jump and run and play, consider making them a DIY obstacle course. Grab some stools, chairs, couch cushions, and pillows and work on training them so they can make it through the entire course without knocking anything over or touching the ground. 

You can even pick up some orange cones at the store so they know to go around the course. You may even want to hop in the course with your dog and have a race.

Try a Puzzle Toy

If you’re looking for some mental stimulation for your pup, try a puzzle toy. There are many different types of puzzle toys that you can hide treats in as motivation. This little bit of mental stimulation can support cognitive activity and development in an important way. Plus, these toys are a great way to keep your dog busy if you need to concentrate on another task  for a little while.

Give Your Pup a Relaxing Spa Day

Everyone deserves a spa day, even our dogs. If your dog doesn’t love indoor baths and it’s not time for their shampooing, consider giving your dog a massage or brushing out his fur. You can also clean their eyes and ears out, which they will love. 

If your dog loves a nice bath, or if it’s time for their regular bath, consider using this natural dog shampoo, which offers a way to keep your dog clean with clean ingredients. Lather, rinse, and enjoy a relaxing time in the bath with your furry friend. 

After a long day of playing, exercising, and pampering your pup, things can get kind of messy. Whether your dog rolled in the mud at the dog park or worked up a smell throughout the day, finish up your day with a relaxing bath!