HealthyPets Blog

Happiness can literally boost the life expectancy of your dog. Even if it didn’t, though, there are very few things more gratifying than watching your pup brighten up at the sight of a fun new opportunity, right?

Here, we take a look at some surprises that can directly affect your puppy’s happiness. If you’re in the mood to splurge on your dog a little bit, here is a guide that will help you do it.

1. A New Toy

This is a classic way to give your dog a pick-me-up. Dogs love their toys, and freshening up their toy chest is a great way to put a new spring in their step.

If you’re new to buying toys for your dog, don’t sweat it. The process is pretty simple. Most pet stores are abundantly stocked with appropriate options. Most toys that you buy at specialized stores will, by default, be safe for your dog.

However, to maximize the safety factor, it’s always a good idea to buy something nice and durable. Soft plush toys are great fun, but they do get torn apart easily. The more loose pieces a toy has, the more dangerous it becomes.

2. Gourmet Dog Food

You may have rolled your eyes at the gourmet dog food section of your pet store in the past, but there are lots of benefits to giving your pets high-quality meals. Why? Organic dog food is higher in nutrition, which can improve the life expectancy of your dog, and boost its overall health. Plus, dogs also just seem to really love it, so head on over to the treat bar at your local pet store and pick out something nice for your pup.

3. A Trip to the Doggy Spa

Full disclosure: Dogs don’t actually usually enjoy a day of beauty. The clippers, the strangers, and the noises typically make the average puppy fairly nervous. But despite the fact that the initial appointment might not be so pleasant, the aftermath will be.

In addition to making your pet presentable, regular grooming can also improve the overall quality of a dog’s day-to-day life. This is especially true in warmer months, where excessive hair can make it harder for your pet to stay outside for prolonged periods of time.

4. Dog Pool

It sounds a little bit silly, doesn’t it? What is a dog pool, anyway? Well, for one thing, it’s a lot of fun. Peter from PoolJudge.com says that Dog pools look a lot like a standard above ground pool, with the only difference being that they are about one-twentieth the size.

Dog pools are a great way for a pet to unwind and play on a hot summer day. They’ll love splashing around and playing with their toys in a new environment, but as an added bonus, it will also help to keep them from getting excessively funky.

5. A Trip to the Dog Park

A trip to the dog park is one great way to help your dog have a good time. Not only does it give them the opportunity to play in a fresh setting, but they’ll also have the chance to hang out with other dogs.

Granted, it will depend somewhat on the disposition of your own pup, but social time among canines is shown to have positive effects on their happiness. There are actually several important benefits that dogs can only get from hanging out with other dogs.

Canines are biologically wired to learn from one another. As they play, they aren’t just having a good time. They are also honing their communication skills and agility and improving their overall health.

Naturally, if your dog is apprehensive about socializing, you shouldn’t force the issue. If playing with other dogs makes your pet anxious, they aren’t likely to get any of the benefits anyway.