February Is Responsible Pet Owners Month: Are You Meeting Your Dog’s Needs?

February is just about synonymous with love, which makes it a great choice for Responsible Pet Owners Month. Your dog loves you all year long, and there’s no better way to love them back than by providing them with the best possible care. Check out our tips to ensure you are meeting your pup’s needs as a responsible dog owner.

Responsible Pet Ownership
Whether you’re a first-time dog “pawrent or you’ve had dogs your whole life, brushing up on responsible dog practices can help your dog stay healthier and happier.

Need: Safety
Puppies are notorious for getting into things, but even senior dogs can get themselves into mischief from time to time. Dog-proofing can keep your pup safe whether in your living room or in the yard. Keep chewables, breakables, electrical cords, and potentially toxic houseplants well out of your pup’s reach. Keep the pet poison control hotline and your vet’s number within easy reach in case of emergencies.

Outside, ensure your fence is in good condition, and consider adding dig-proofing along the border if your pup is especially adventurous.

Need: Comfort and Security
Dogs appreciate predictability: Knowing what comes next helps them feel more secure. Set rules and boundaries for your pup, and be consistent in training and expectations. Maintain a predictable routine as much as possible for meals, walks, playtime, and other daily activities to help your dog feel more secure and comfortable in their home.

Pay attention to your dog’s routine, too. If you notice your pup is suddenly deviating from their typical habits, whether diet, sleep, or even toileting, a call to the vet might be appropriate to rule out illness.

Need: Physical and Mental Activity
Much like us, dogs benefit from regular exercise. A walk around the block is a good start, but it’s not necessarily enough to keep your dog physically active and mentally engaged. Longer walks and even hikes can be great opportunities for your dog to explore new smells, engage with new terrain, and try new things. Vigorous play sessions can also be great additions to your routine. Fetch, tug-of-war, flirt pole play, and agility courses are all great choices to keep pups physically active and mentally sharp. Try a new activity every few weeks to keep your pup on their paws!

Need: Healthcare
Your dog cannot tell you when they’re feeling a little under the weather, so it’s up to you to monitor for signs that something is different. Scheduling routine vet checks is a great way to do this. At least once a year, visit your dog’s vet to review their health needs, diet, exercise habits, dental care, and vaccination needs.

Need: Confidence
Puppies go through multiple "fear" stages as they grow, and even adult dogs can encounter experiences that can trigger fearful or aggressive reactions. Proper and ongoing socialization at every stage of your dog's life can help build and support confidence while minimizing the risk of negative reactions.

Healthy socialization includes regular, positive exposure to various places, people, and even animals. With good planning and socialization, your dog can enjoy a safe, happy life while remaining polite and engaged in all kinds of environments and circumstances, reducing the risk of unwanted or even dangerous behaviors.

At Playful Pack, your best friend can socialize with furry friends and human friends and engage in all kinds of fun, social activities in a safe, supervised environment. We also offer boarding, allowing you the peace of mind you need when you are traveling.

Contact Playful Pack today to learn more about how you can keep your pup healthy and happy or to schedule a visit to one of our facilities.

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