COVID-19 and its disastrous effects have taken the world by storm. And while we have to keep our dogs safe during this time, I wanted to focus this post primarily on my dog parents. I thought it was necessary to shift focus today due to the gravity of the situation, particularly since we’ve all been mandated to self-isolate and quarantine ourselves, which can result in another devasting blow- coronavirus cabin fever.
While some of you are welcoming a much-needed break from the office or the daily hustle and bustle of your life, living in isolation is no paradise.
Cabin fever and its insidious effects are real and are sure to creep in if you’re not careful. Too much isolation can lead to restlessness, irritability, or anxiety, and depression in more severe cases.
Because just like our dogs, we humans are social animals. Even a hermit still requires some sort of social connection because we simply are not designed to live life in complete solitude.
So keep reading as I share some tips to help you, members of my human pack, stay mentally and physically healthy during this challenging time.
One of the things that I admire about one of my favorite clients is that they’re fun parents. In addition to having fur babies, they also have three small children. And they are fantastic at creating fun experiences for them. They’re always on the floor or running around their home, playing some sort of fun or imaginary game with their kids. And I think that’s really cool.
Because when you’re having the time of your life with your favorite people, nothing else compares. Their kids will have fun and joyful memories of their parents that will carry them for many years to come.
And the same rings true if you’re a dog parent.
When you share fun-filled dog friendly activities with your dog, you create lasting memories that they will never forget. These experiences will also bring joy and happiness to you as well, forging an unbreakable bond with your dog.
Make a dog happy, you have a friend for life. And dogs have such little time with us, so why not give them the time of their lives whenever possible. Even if your dog is currently a couch potato, I will encourage you to try some of these fun dog friendly activities that follow. You’d be amazed at how by just mixing things up, you can awaken your dog’s inner spark.
It’s all about engaging your dog to see what makes them tick.
And in general, trying some of the tips that follow will help you to see how fun and easy life with a dog can be. So let’s get started!
If you landed on this page, you probably fit into one of three categories. You’re a new dog parent and are confused about how much exercise your dog needs every day. Or, you’re here to compare notes and see if you’re on the right track. Finally, the last group is fully aware that you’re not giving your dog enough exercise. You’re at your wit’s end, especially after finding a pair of your favorite shoes left chewed up in the corner of a room.
Fortunately for you, I have something of value to offer everyone. There is no cut and dry answer to this question. But the bright side is that it’s not that complicated either. Here at The Dog Care Guide, we want to offer you sustainable tips for providing care for your beloved pups.
So even if you are the dog parent of a high energy working dog, don’t worry, I won’t suggest that you run five miles a day to meet your dog’s exercise needs. Because that’s not sustainable unless you’re an athlete, and it’s apart of your daily routine. And running long distances may not be healthy for your dog. Also some dogs have boundless energy so they often require more than just physical exercise.
So skip the exercise calculator and breed exercise charts. A computer can’t determine how much exercise your dog needs. But you and your vet can. So continue reading as we explore how you can determine how much exercise your dog needs and a simple way to implement a workout into your dog’s daily routine.
Welcome back for part two, the final part of our “Can Dogs Eat People Food” blog post series!
If you missed part one, you check it out here. Part one lays the foundation for understanding the dog’s natural diet, which makes choosing one for your dog so much easier.
Otherwise, at this point, you should have already ordered or conducted your Embark Breed + Health Kit and are awaiting the results. Again, the benefits of taking this test are that it will inform you of any potential health risks that your dog may have. And sharing the results with your vet will help you determine the best appropriate care for your dog, including what kind of foods may or may not be suitable.
With that in mind, let’s dive right in and learn about one of the best kinds of diets and brands for dogs on the market today.
I don’t think people hear themselves when they ask can dogs eat people food. And while there is some subtle judgment implied along with their inquiry, I try not to judge the person back. But, sometimes I carry on an inner dialogue that goes something like:
So yes, we’ve been feeding our dog Mina “real food,” “human food,” or “people food,” as many refer to it, and proudly so. We recently purchased an Embark Dog DNA Breed + Health kit, which cleared Mina of all 181 health conditions common for her breed. She’s 11 years old.
She also gets rave reviews after every vet visit. Mainly for her shiny coat of hair and her pearly whites. She’s a real “people food” eater, or simply “real natural food” as I like to call it. I think the care that we provide for our girl speaks for itself. And the foundation for exceptional health begins with a balanced nutrient-dense diet.
Therefore, in short, the answer to the question is yes, it is okay to feed your dog “people food.” But the key is to understand why it’s okay and how to do it properly.
In this post, I will share with you:
These concepts will lay the groundwork for helping you understand what to consider when selecting an optimal diet for your dog.
Discovering a lost or abandoned dog can be disheartening, especially when they don’t have any visible identification that will lead them back to their home.
I read about this issue often in the social media platforms in which I participate. While I feel bad for the dog and the person who discovered them asking for help, I can only imagine the difficulty that the dog’s parents must be going through.
Because losing a dog is like losing a family member. In this post, I will layout precisely what to do when you find a lost dog. This easy to follow four-step action plan will hopefully reunite you with your beloved dog in no time!
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