Keeping track of dog wellbeing can be tricky. Discover our monthly wellness calendar, so you can keep an eye on the health and happiness of your pet. Like us, our pets need to be physically, mentally and emotionally cared for to live their best lives!
Let’s take a closer look at how we can support our pooch’s wellbeing throughout the year.
The Importance of Dog wellness
Dog wellness is essential for helping your furry friend live a longer, healthier, and happier life. By being mindful of their overall wellbeing, we can make better choices to care for their minds and bodies. Here are some key benefits of ensuring your pooch stays in tip-top shape:
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Mental wellbeing: Focusing on your dog’s mental wellbeing can have a significant positive impact on their emotions. It helps them cope with day-to-day stresses, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of calm. Strengthening the bond between you and your dog -or even between dogs -can help them become the most confident, joyful version of themselves.
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Physical wellbeing: Supporting your dog’s physical health with proper nutrition and an active lifestyle lowers the risk of common issues like obesity, itchy skin, or sensitive tummies. Finding the right food tailored to their needs is crucial for maintaining their overall wellness. At Barking Heads, we’re all about naturally tasty dog food packed with fresh natural goodness, that’s tailored to the specific needs of your furry family member. Not sure where to start? Take our handy quiz to discover the best recipe for your pooch!
Our Doggy Wellness Calendar
As responsible, loving pet parents, it is our duty to care for our dog’s wellbeing. By staying in touch with your dog’s needs and making small changes to their daily routine, you can help them lead a happier, healthier life. Because every dog deserves to feel as good as they make us feel!
As the seasons change, it’s important to consider how these transitions can impact your pooch. Knowing how to protect your dog’s paws in winter and summer is key to maintaining healthy paw pads and an active lifestyle. Spring brings pollen, which may trigger allergic reactions in some dogs, while autumn introduces spooky fireworks and darker evenings, which can be stressful for our furry friends. Here are essential tips to help your furry companion live their best life, no matter the season.
January: Paw Protection
- Protecting paws from the cold is really important for dogs in winter. Short, frequent walks to keep muscles active without too much chill. It’s also National Walk Your Dog Month – a great reason to step outside (with paw protection in place)!
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Tip: Apply paw butter or coconut oil before and after walks to keep paw pads hydrated and crack-free. Make sure to clean any salts from their paws after you get home to avoid irritation.
February: Pet Dental Health Month
- Pet Dental Health Month is celebrated in February, and the perfect reminder to schedule a dental check-up with your vet to stay ahead of any potential problems, keep their pearly whites clean and breath fresh.
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Tip: Start a regular brushing routine with dog-safe toothpaste. If brushing isn’t an option, use dental chews or water additives.
March: Spring Cleaning
- Springtime shedding is a natural process for dogs to get rid of their winter coats and prepare for warmer weather. Brush your dog weekly to manage shedding and promote healthy skin. Remember to check and replace worn-out collars, leads, and ID tags.
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Tip: Introduce a regular, gentle bathing routine with dog-friendly shampoo and brush your dog’s coat – to avoid any bad hair days! Why not also try our Hair Necessities dry food, packed with salmon oil, zinc and biotin to give your dog's hair the strength of a superhero!
April: Allergy Awareness
- Pollen allergies from trees, grass, flowers, and weeds can start in spring. Monitor your furry friend for signs such as itching, excessive licking and inflamed skin. If you do spot these signs in your dog, always consult a vet. Wondering if dogs can get hayfever? Our resident vet Dr Scott shares the symptoms to look out for.
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Tip: Wipe paws and bellies after walks to reduce pollen exposure and avoid high-pollen areas like long grass.
May: Parasite Prevention
June: Strengthen Your Bond
- Make the most of the summer months by prioritising quality time with your pooch. While the British summer can be unpredictable, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventures and deepen your connection. Check out our fun summer tips here.
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Tip: Dedicate daily quality one-on-one time with your dog - whether it’s cuddling, grooming, or simply relaxing together. For something more adventurous, explore a new hike, visit the beach, or discover a new park to create lasting memories.
July: How to Protect Dog’s From Heat
- It’s essential to understand how to care for dogs in summer. Whilst enjoying the summer sun, keep your pooch hydrated and cool to prevent over heating - signs include excessive panting and extreme salivating. If you’re worried, seek immediate assistance from a vet.
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Tip: Preventing overheating, by using cooling mats, and provide shade during outdoor play. Avoid the midday heat and check the pavements temperature using the five-second rule (if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws).
August: Holiday Preparedness
- Taking your pooch on vaycay? A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring they have the best time possible.
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Tip: Get your dog used to the car if planning road trips. Take short car rides to fun destinations like the park. Pack travel essentials – food, water, bowls, and a comfy blanket.
September: Back-to-Routine
- As the “back-to-school” season begins and routines shift, it’s important to keep your pooch entertained and their mind engaged while you adjust to busier days.
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Tip: Introduce new puzzle toys or interactive training games to keep your dog mentally stimulated. This not only provides entertainment but also helps ease the transition by giving them a sense of focus and purpose.
October: Autumn Adventures
- Embrace the beauty of autumn by exploring crisp trails with your furry companion. However, it’s essential to keep your pooch safe and healthy during your adventures.
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Tip: After walks, check your dog’s paws for mud, sticks, or debris that may have collected along the way. Avoid letting your pooch play in or eat mouldy leaves, as they can harbour harmful bacteria. As the colder weather approaches, ensure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date for added protection.
November: Firework Fears
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Firework season can be a stressful time for many dogs. Taking steps to create a safe and comforting environment can help ease their anxiety.
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Tip: Prepare ahead of time by setting up a cosy, quiet space where your dog can retreat and feel secure. Playing soothing music or offering enrichment toys can provide helpful distractions and keep them calm during the noisy celebrations.
December: Festive Fun
- The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate with your furry friend, but it’s important to keep them safe during the festivities.
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Tip: Keep festive treats like chocolate, mince pies, and holiday leftovers well out of reach, as they can be toxic to your pooch. Find out more about foods to avoid at Christmas here. Don’t forget to schedule their annual vet check-up if it hasn’t already been done - perfect for starting the new year with their best paw forward!
