How to Spoil Your Dog in 7 Ways

Technically, August 10th is ‘Spoil Your Dog’ Day, but for many pet owners, every day is ‘Spoil Your Dog’ Day. Treating your four-legged friend to the best life has to offer is your responsibility as a devoted owner. After all, your dog is your best friend, your loyal confidant, and the fluffy member of the family who’s always happy to see you. If you’re looking for new, safe ways to spoil your fur baby, we’ve rounded up our favorite seven ideas, so let’s dive right in.

Regular grooming isn’t just about keeping your dog clean or reducing the shedding; it’s about maintaining both their health and appearance, as well. Your pup will feel rejuvenated after a good grooming session. Whether it’s a deep clean, a new haircut, or both, giving your little furball a small makeover is a great way to treat them.

Even if your dog is perfectly content snuggling on the couch or in bed with you, getting them their own bed is a surefire way to make them feel extra special. Orthopedic dog beds, in particular, are great for canines of all ages. But older pets, in addition to those with special needs or disabilities, will benefit from them the most. They come in a wide variety of memory foam options, materials, and dimensions and provide better support than traditional beds. They also help relieve aching joints and limbs by distributing the weight more evenly, thereby eliminating extra pressure on the joints.

If your canine companion likes to be touched and cuddled, then pampering them with a ‘spaw day’ is the best thing you can do! Just like their owners, dogs who are comfortable with physical contact will love a massage. So, why not treat your pup to something that you would splurge on for yourself? It will help them relax and loosen any stiff or sore muscles. You can massage your dog yourself using soft, sweeping motions, or you can look for a local pet massage therapist in your area.

While they may get regular exercise through their daily walks around the block, walking the same old routes won’t cut it when you’re trying to spoil your pup. Surprise your furry friend with a trip to the beach or treat them to an afternoon hike in the woods. The change of scenery will be a wonderfully enriching experience for your little furball. Before heading on your outdoor adventure, though, make sure you pack fresh water and a bowl. Don’t forget to bring dog waste bags to pick up after your pup.

Whether it’s a new set of tennis balls, a squeaky toy, or a plush teddy bear, your dog will be ecstatic with any new toy you give them. But, do you know what’s even better than surprising them with a new toy? Letting them pick the toy themself. Take your pup to the nearest pet store, let them explore the aisles, and get them the toys they’re most drawn to.

There’s nothing wrong with premium, store-bought treats, but baking some healthy and delicious treats for your four-legged friend is a more special way to spoil them. You’ll find plenty of easy recipes online that will give you some inspiration. Feel free to tailor the recipe to your dog’s dietary preferences and restrictions, and make sure you only use safe, quality ingredients. Try out different recipes and treat your pup to a feast of tasty homemade snacks!

If you have only one dog, a playdate can give them an exciting break from their routine and encourage them to socialize with other canines. Not only will this leave them wiggling with happiness, but it will also allow them to burn off their pent-up energy. As you know, a tired pup is a well-behaved pup, and yours will surely be spent after the playdate, which means you’ll go home with a good, well-tempered dog. It’s a win-win situation for you both!

While pampering your four-legged friend with treats and toys is one of the biggest joys of dog ownership, the one thing your fur baby will appreciate most is your company. You can go for a long walk, take a break from work to play fetch in the yard, or prepare a special, healthy meal for your little furball. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you spend some time with them. At the end of the day, pampering your canine companion is about showering them with extra love and attention in whatever way you can.