At Dogtopia, we place a strong focus on the health and wellness of our dogs in our playrooms through brain games for education, agility for exercise, playtime with their BFFFs for loads of socialization, post-daycare wellness checks and more. Making little changes and being mindful about regular health and hygiene checks can go a long way! Here are some helpful wellness tips to keep in mind in 2024 so you can ensure your dog’s health is in top shape:
Healthy Treat Swaps
Dogs love table scraps and people food, but these treats can be high in calories and low in nutrition. Fresh fruits and veggies can be a great alternative to high-calorie snacks and will keep your pup energized and healthy. A few fresh alternatives are frozen blueberries, fresh apple slices (remember to remove all seeds!), and plain green beans. As a reminder, ask your veterinarian regarding any large dietary changes to your dog’s food and treats.
Doggie Dental Health
We love it when our dog smiles in our direction, so let’s make sure those teeth are clean and healthy all year long! The first sign of poor tooth hygiene is oftentimes bad breath. This may be caused by leftover food and bacteria built up around a dog’s gums and teeth causing plaque buildup. Plaque can harden and lead to disease and other problems like broken and cracked teeth.
To prevent potential dental issues, wipe down their teeth with a warm washcloth and brush their teeth on a regular basis .
We know it might be hard for your dog to sit still long enough to brush their teeth. Dogtopia daycares offer teeth brushing as a spa service add-on. If you want to have your dog’s teeth brushed during their next daycare visit, inform a team member at your next visit!
Regular Vet Visits
The most important thing you can do as a responsible pet parent is to take your dog to their veterinarian on a regular basis. Regular vet visits ensure your pup is growing and aging appropriately. A vet will also keep your dog’s vaccination records up to date while keeping a watchful eye for early signs of infection and disease. Maintaining an up-to-date vaccination schedule is important and required for your dog to play with their BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever) at Dogtopia!
Brain Games & Exercise
Regular play and exercise will keep your dog’s agility and mental health in top shape. Taking your dog for walks around the neighbourhood, playing a game of fetch, or stimulating their mind with a brain game are great options to boost your dog’s mood and provide them with daily exercise. Brain games can include any toy that allows your dog to really think about how to achieve a prize – aka a treat! Your dog will have to push certain buttons in a sequence or tap their nose to a various part of the toy to receive the prize, all the while stimulating your dog’s brain!
Dogtopia daycare is also a great solution for a busy pet parent who wants to ensure their dog receives plenty of exercise. We understand it may be hard to find the time or energy to exercise your dog on a regular basis, but at Dogtopia, your dog will spend the entire day playing with their BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever) and getting plenty of exercise and socialization.
