A dog’s wellbeing goes beyond food and walks - it encompasses physical health, mental stimulation, socialisation, and emotional security. Understanding the key factors that influence your dog’s happiness makes sure they thrive in your care.

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Our 10 Tips for keeping them physically healthy and safe

Balanced nutrition – Feed a diet appropriate to your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Monitor weight, provide fresh water, and consult a vet to adjust meals as needed to maintain healthy body condition.

Regular exercise – Provide daily walks, play, and active stimulation. Tailor intensity and duration to breed and fitness level to prevent obesity, maintain joint health, and reduce stress.

Routine veterinary care – Schedule vaccinations, check-ups, and dental care. Early detection of illness or dental issues prevents long-term health problems and maintains overall wellness.

Parasite prevention – Use vet-recommended flea, tick, and worm treatments regularly. Check your dog’s coat and living areas to prevent infestations and protect both your dog and household.

Grooming – Maintain skin, coat, and nail health through regular brushing, bathing, and nail trimming. Check ears, eyes, and paws for irritation, infection, or injury while grooming.

Sleep and rest – Provide a quiet, comfortable sleeping area. Ensure your dog can rest undisturbed, supporting physical recovery, immune function, and emotional regulation.

Hydration – Maintain constant access to clean, fresh water. Monitor your dog’s intake and watch for signs of dehydration, especially in hot weather or after intense activity. Encourage drinking by providing accessible bowls or water sources during walks or outdoor play.

Temperature management – Protect your dog from heat or cold stress. Use shade, cooling pads, or vests in hot weather, and warm bedding, coats, or indoor shelter during cold conditions. Adjust activity levels to prevent overheating depending on environmental conditions.

Safe environment – Remove hazards from living areas and outdoor spaces. Secure fences, lock chemicals, and monitor objects that can be chewed or ingested. Supervise spaces where your dog could escape or get injured to reduce accident risk.

Emergency preparedness – Keep a first-aid kit, veterinarian contact information, and basic emergency knowledge readily available. Practice procedures such as safely bandaging wounds, controlling bleeding, or transporting an injured dog to be prepared for unexpected situations.

Our 10 Tips for protecting their mental wellbeing

Social interaction – Regularly expose your dog to people, other dogs, and new environments in a controlled, positive manner. Safe socialisation builds confidence, reduces fear or aggression, and strengthens your dog’s ability to adapt to diverse situations without stress.

Mental stimulation – Offer puzzle toys, scent games, training exercises, or interactive play that challenges your dog’s mind. Regular mental activity prevents boredom, reduces anxiety, and diminishes destructive behaviours by keeping your dog engaged and alert.

Positive reinforcement training – Teach commands and behaviours using treats, praise, or play. Rewarding desired behaviour builds confidence, strengthens the bond with your dog, and ensures learning occurs in a calm, stress-free manner.

Routine and predictability – Maintain consistent feeding, exercise, and play schedules. Predictable routines reduce anxiety, help your dog understand expectations, and create a secure environment in which they can feel confident and relaxed.

Observation of behaviour – Watch for subtle signs of stress, aggression, withdrawal, changes in appetite, or sleep patterns. Early detection allows you to intervene promptly, providing support before minor issues escalate into serious physical or behavioural problems.

Calm resting areas – Provide quiet, comfortable spaces where your dog can retreat when overstimulated or anxious. Encourage voluntary use of these spaces to help your dog self-regulate, recover from stress, and maintain emotional stability.

Enrichment variety – Rotate toys, activities, scents, and challenges to maintain interest and engagement. Regularly introducing novelty prevents mental stagnation, encourages natural curiosity, and reduces the risk of frustration or destructive behaviours.

Bonding activities – Spend quality time with your dog through grooming, play, or gentle walks. Positive interaction fosters trust, supports emotional security, and reinforces the human-animal connection, ensuring your dog feels safe and loved.

Stress relief techniques – Recognise early signs of anxiety and use appropriate calming methods, such as gentle massage, soothing voice, or pressure wraps. Proactively managing stress prevents escalation, maintains emotional health, and strengthens confidence in challenging situations.

Veterinary or behaviourist support – Seek professional guidance for behavioural, emotional, or cognitive concerns. Early intervention with experts ensures problems are addressed appropriately, preventing long-term issues and supporting comprehensive wellbeing

From the experts – Prioritise daily routines, monitor subtle changes in behaviour, and combine physical care with mental and emotional stimulation. Small, consistent actions build confidence, prevent stress, and keep your dog healthy and happy in every aspect of life.

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