It’s often said that a dog is a man’s best friend, and most pet owners will testify to the fact that this is indeed the case. With this in mind, it’s perhaps little wonder that we often go all-out to spoil our pooches and give them the happiest possible life, and from opulent bedding to the best possible food, nothing is too much trouble for the furry favourites in our life.
Nevertheless, there is always something more we can do to ensure they feel like thoroughly pampered pooches, and that they, like us, get to live every inch of the lavish lifestyle they deserve. Here, we take a look at some of the easiest ways to spoil your cherished pet rotten and ensure they’ll enjoy living in the lap of luxury every day. After all, if it’s good enough for us, then it’s good enough for them, too.
Invest in an orthopaedic dog bed
We all know the virtues of a good night’s sleep, and when you consider that dogs spend an average of 12-14 hours a day dozing, a comfortable bed is essential to keeping them happy and content. Treating them to a luxury dog bed isn’t just about the aesthetics, although that’s certainly a factor worth considering – after all, you’ll want to ensure that it complements the overall look and feel of your home. But the latest products from companies like Casper and Purple go beyond the obvious, and put your dog’s needs first, offering orthopaedic qualities designed to provide additional support and reduce the strain they place on your dog’s body, allowing them to rest more comfortably and soundly than they ever have before.
If you’re looking for the very best of the best for your pet, then opt for a hypoallergenic dog bed to ensure that their sleeping quarters don’t exacerbate any allergies they might have. Ideally, your dog’s bed will change with the seasons to support their changing needs and help to regulate their body heat according to the outside temperature.
Book a doggy spa day
Spa days are a great way for humans to enjoy some rest and relaxation, but we’re not the only ones who can benefit from a few hours of pampering. And amazingly, there are now some similar experiences available for our four-legged companions to enjoy – from pedicures and grooming to specialities like dog massage – when you check them in at once of the country’s most prestigious dog spas.
Depending on the venue, you might be able to leave your dog for the duration, meaning it will be the perfect opportunity to take your own spa break and step away from the worries of the world at the same time. You win, and your pup wins, too.
Switch to high-quality, all-natural pet food
Everyone wants their dog to be as healthy as possible, and a quality diet will keep them at their best, leaving them happier, full of energy, and looking glossier and shinier, too. For this reason, it’s worth spending a little more to get higher-end pet food for your pooch, with brands like True Instinct delivering impressive results in only a short time frame when eaten consistently.
While cheaper feeds tend to include a lot of heavily processed ingredients, as well as having lower meat content and using worse quality cuts, luxury brands focus on raw ingredients that have retained their natural nutrients, and bolster the amount of real meat that’s included for maximum vitality. Don’t underestimate the benefits of splashing out on the finest food you can find for your pet, as the results will likely speak for themselves.
Organise a trip with your dog in mind
Preparing to go away on holiday can be as stressful as it is exciting, and booking your dog in at the kennel is often a guilt-inducing process as well as yet another task on your never-ending to-do list.
Instead, why not switch things up a bit and plan your next getaway with your dog in mind rather than jetting off and leaving them behind? A luxury countryside cottage is the perfect accommodation choice for a private and exclusive staycation, and with long hikes, including visits to open spaces where your dog can roam free, filling your days – along with summer evening barbecues or cosy winter nights in by a roaring fire, it’s the type of wholesome break that will leave everyone – your pooch included – feeling content and renewed.
Arrange playdates with friends’ dogs
If your dog is the sociable type, then allowing them to interact with other dogs more often is an easy way to enhance their lives and keep them feeling their happiest. Rather than limiting this to random off-lead interactions during your daily walks, why not arrange to meet up with a friend and take your dogs out together so that they can get to know one another?
If you already know someone with a similarly friendly and sociable look, then making it happen should be easy, but if not, there are still some tried and tested ways to help your dog make some new friends. Try searching for local dog walking groups on social media and see if there are any meet-ups coming up that you can attend – they don’t just offer a great chance for pets to socialise, but for owners to do so, too.