Many dog owners pamper their pets as if these beloved animals were their own children. The benefits of pet pampering cannot be underestimated either since a happy pet makes for a happy owner. The challenge lies in choosing pampering ideas that are within your budget as well as address your values as a pet owner and suit your lifestyle.
For example, once-a-month pampering sessions at an upscale spa for dogs may not be in your budget but you can pamper your dog in other ways. Get your creativity to work and you are likely to find something that works to your satisfaction.
Spas for Dogs
Dogs can now be pampered in a similar manner as their human owners! Spas for dogs are sprouting like mushrooms across the United States and in other countries, a growth fueled by an increasing number of people adopting and pampering their dogs in a manner previously unheard of.
Dog spas offer a wide range of services designed to make both the pet and its owner happy. Your pet comes out looking well-groomed and well-rested after a spa session while you are happy with the results especially when your pet appears ready for dog competitions.
The services offered in dog spas include:
- Professional grooming including bathing as well as brushing, cutting and styling of hair
- Nail cutting and painting
- Mud bath treatments
- Massages for recuperation and relaxation, even touch training
Many dog spas even offer spa and salon services for pet owners. You can have your share of spa treatments, too, while waiting for your pet to finish with its treatments. You have to remember, however, that these pet spa treatments are likely not covered by veterinary insurance.
Fitness Programs
But pampering your pet does not only include relaxation activities at the dog spa. Keep in mind that your pet also requires physical activities to maintain its good physical and mental health. Dogs can become bored with house activities, too, and boredom can lead to aggressive behavior, such as excessive barking, inappropriate chewing, and jumping on people.
The following ideas are great for getting your pet out of the house and exposing it to new experiences. You can even participate in many of these activities, which will strengthen your bond aside from letting you get your fair share of exercise.
- Underwater treadmills, a form of hydrotherapy designed to reduce the joint pain and muscle soreness in dogs
- Warm water therapy, a form of water aerobics that pet owners can also join in
When choosing a fitness program for your dog, be sure that the staff members are certified dog trainers. You have to ask relevant questions, too, about the dos and don’ts of the exercise program; the requirements for enrollment, such as the dog’s breed, age and physical condition; and the risks and rewards associated with the fitness program for dogs.
Toys for Stimulation
Of course, toys are among the most affordable yet effective methods to pamper your pet, aside from the usual comfortable beds and nutritious food from Petco. Be careful about choosing dog toys especially as there are many unsafe toys in the market, such as toys made from toxic substances or manufactured with inferior materials. Choose high-quality toys and enjoy the best value for your money.
While you provide your dog with as many toys as possible, you have to remember that it will neither need nor play with all of the toys in its playpen. Your best choices in dog toys include the following:
- Food puzzle toys, which are sturdy containers that can hold food including treats inside but have a mechanism that makes it challenging for dogs to access the contents. Dogs have to shake, roll, nibble, lick and paw the toys before getting to the food inside, which means physical and mental stimulation.
- Chew toys, which are designed to provide dogs with appropriate objects to chew on instead of shoes, among others. These toys are usually made from hard rubber, rawhide, natural marrow bones, and even pig ears.
Look at the wide range of toys available at Petsmart and you will find a few that will make your pet happy while also fitting into your budget.
Playtime Opportunities
Who says that you have to spend wads of money to pamper your dog? You have to remember that spending time with your pet is already akin to pampering it especially when you spend hours away at work or on travel. You can pamper your pet with your time by engaging in the following activities, which require little to no monetary investment.
- Play tug-of-war, fetch, and hide-and-seek in an open space, such as a park.
- Hike through the woods.
- Brush its comb and give it belly rubs.
Your pet will appreciate the attention that you give it more than the expensive spa sessions, exercise programs, and toys. Just don’t compromise on proper care in terms of nutrition and exercise.
