how to take care of your dog’s mental health

just one furry hug — it’s an instant balm for all that stress. 

our pets know how to keep us happy. from daily, loyal companionship to pawing away our tears, dogs provide us endless emotional support. as you may already know, in many cases, dogs are even trained as service animals to provide assistance to those with specific mental health conditions.

the commitment our furry friends have toward our health can’t be measured in simple terms. it’s the kind of love that doesn’t have a language. 💕 have you wondered about their happiness though? 

your pet’s mental health is as important as their physical health. as pet parents, we have to go beyond walks & playtimes to keep their furry little minds active & healthy. 

dog health care is not easy — but we bet as pet parents, you already knew that. regular visits to the vet, vaccinations, and preventive care — there’s so much we have to take care of to keep our furry’s physical health in good shape. 

being attentive and regular with dog health care can help detect and treat potential health problems before they become more serious or even life-threatening. no one wants that. we want our pets to live long, healthy and, most importantly, happy lives. 💗   

but, as we said, dog health care doesn’t just comprise physical health. emotional well-being is as important.  

dogs experience a range of emotions, from joy and contentment to anxiety and fear, and just like humans, their mental state can affect their behavior and physical health. a dog that is stressed or anxious may exhibit destructive behavior or suffer from physical health issues such as gastrointestinal problems. neglecting their mental health can lead to boredom, loneliness, and even depression. 

maintaining a healthy mental state is essential to ensure a healthy dog with a happy lifestyle. providing mental stimulation, socialization, and affection can help prevent boredom, anxiety, and other behavioral issues. meanwhile, a dog with a healthy mental state is also more likely to be well-behaved and able to provide companionship to their pawrents (and in the process, look after hooman mental health too. 💞)  

of course, emotional well-being is something to be looked after in conjunction with physical fitness. (dog training and exercise, which parents believe only look after a pet’s physical endurance, are also great for mental health! read on to know how to make your dog happy every day.)

🐾 here are 5 ways you can keep your pet’s mental health in check 🐾

1. if you haven’t already figured it out – YOU are your pet’s biggest source of happiness. offer them your time, attention & friendship as much as you can every day. remember — dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction and affection, and with that in mind, it’s easy enough to know how to keep a dog happy. regularly spending time with your dog, whether through playtime, training, or cuddling, can help prevent boredom, loneliness, and separation anxiety. (for both of you, hehe ❤️) 
2. dog training is a great way to build a bond with your pet, as well as keep them mentally alert & stimulated. follow a daily training routine, which will give your furry a sense of accomplishment, and reinforces positive behavior, which can improve a dog's overall mental health. dog training sessions can also help alleviate anxiety and prevent destructive behavior, while helping improve a dog's confidence and self-esteem to prevent behavioral issues.

3. the only thing your dog loves more than toys are interactive toys. our furry problem-solvers love puzzle feeders that put their little gray cells up to a challenge. the pet market today offers a range of interactive toys that cater to a variety of pet needs — from chew toys that can keep your little furry’s dental and periodontal health in check, to feeding toys that can keep them busy for hours while you’re gone. interactive toys that provide comfort or relaxation, such as puzzle toys or calming toys, can help alleviate anxiety and stress in dogs.

4. there’s nothing like the company of a good friend, wouldn’t you agree? allow your pet loads of socialization with other furry friends. playdates can allow them to interact with other dogs in a controlled environment. this can help prevent socialization issues, such as fear or aggression towards other dogs. 

5. fresh meals. and we’re not just saying that ‘cos of who we are! if you want to know how to make a dog happy — this is it! vets & experts all highlight the importance of a good diet for pets’ physical, mental & overall health. fresh food provides essential nutrients necessary to maintain your dog’s brain health and cognitive function, such as through omega-3 fatty acids or B vitamins that are known to regulate mood and behavior. fresh food can provide variety and sensory stimulation, which can help prevent boredom and encourage a healthy pet appetite! 

pawfectly made’s meals are the daily dose of serotonin your furball deserves. made with the yummiest, freshest ingredients to make meal o’ clock soooo much healthier and your pet’s life happier. 

‘cos a healthy pet is a happy pet! ❤️

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