Pet Care: What Makes a Dog Really Happy; pet expert shares

We all do things that we think are best for our adorable dog, but do we know how to make our four-legged friend truly happy? With less time on their hands, many busy pet owners today feel guilty or concerned about their pet’s well-being and sanity. Experts say that quality matters more than quantity, a dog’s life can be made happier with nutritious diet and playtime with generous doses of love. A happy puppy will wag its tail, look you in the eye, obey the rules you set, keep coming back to you, and sometimes even dance with excitement when it sees you. Winning your dog’s heart is easy, and we have expert advice for you too. (Also read: World Mental Health Day 2022: Mental and physical health benefits of owning a pet)

“The essence of the pet-parent bond is the rule of thumb, ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’. Balanced diet, mental stimulation, playtime, and love are essential factors that make a dog truly happy,” says Dr. Rajni Rajadhyaksha, Senior Veterinary Officer, Wiggles.

SIGN OF A HAPPY DOG

“They say a high and wagging tail is perhaps the best-known sign that your dog is a happy pooch. We all love coming home when our pets greet us at the door, a heartwarming sight for sure. After 25 years as a veterinarian and having grown up with 4 dogs and many cats my whole life, I’ve been sleeping happier since I was 6 snuggling up with my pets in my home,” says Dr Rajni.

WHAT MAKES A DOG REALLY HAPPY

dr Rajni also shares the simple activities that would take your dog’s happiness quotient up a few notches. It’s the healthy foods, some interesting toys and puzzles, lots of playtime, exercise, and your genuine love and care that make them truly happy.

Here are the tips for you:

• A healthy, balanced diet appropriate to their life stage and needs.

• Appropriate mental stimulation with toys such as meal puzzles, chew toys, and playtime.

• Adequate level of physical activity, consistent with their abilities and stage of life.

• Lots of love and affection.

TAKE THEM FOR A WALK, BREAK THEM

Spoil them by spending time with them, by taking them for walks. For busy professionals, the after-dinner time is perfect to bond with their canine friends.

“Free up valuable time for your pets. Take them for an after-dinner walk, go on a tongue-out ride, tummy rubs and scrapes, early-morning field trips, or hikes are all activities that make dogs very happy,” says Dr .Rajni.

DON’T NEGLECT THEM

“A dog is a commitment for an odd 15 years. If you promise to love and protect your fur baby at all stages of life and make decisions in their best interest, even a soaked cane will keep them happy. Dogs are pack animals and they love and protect their loved ones. Make sure they don’t feel abandoned and neglected,” says Dr. Rajni.

MAKE YOU FEEL SECURE

“If you want a healthy and happy pet, bring home a breed that fits your lifestyle. Do a thorough background check and understand that you are responsible for a sentient life that also feels emotions. Respect their individual personality and they will feel safe and happy with you as their parent,” concludes Dr Rajni.

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