8 Ways to Pamper Your Dog

Your dog feels your love on the daily, but when was the last time you really expressed your gratitude with a next-level treat for him or her? You don’t have to wait to their birthday to do it. Pampering you dog can be a great way to start a new season, celebrate good behavior, or even just spend a free Saturday afternoon. Here are a few ways to love up on your best friend.

1. Offer a massage

Take the everyday belly rub to the next level. After a long walk, when your dog is in a super chill state, start giving him or her a massage by petting in long, soothing strokes. Knead in circular motions around his shoulders, and focus on the areas around, but not on, the joints and spine. Your pup will move around as you massage, giving you the indication where he wants you to rub next, so let him be your guide.

2. Go for a spa day!

Splurge on a luxurious deep clean at a puppy wellness spa like Timmie Outfitters (867 Queen St. W), where a full grooming includes a hydrosurge massage, a mani & pawdicure, an ear cleaning, fluff blowdry, brush-out, haircut and style. Your best friend will return for be feeling and looking fresh for fall – and being as huggable as ever.

3. Offer a divine sleeping experience

Wherever and however your dog likes to sleep, you can upgrade their experience with a super plush bed or blanket. Our World of Angus dog blankets are the perfect thing for your pup: plush and anti-microbial. Or, if your dog happens to be a sucker for a huge pile of freshly washed and dried laundry, pile up some of those warm linens and let your bestie have at it.

4. Whip up an organic, home-cooked meal

A nourishing home-cooked meal is something we all need every once in a while, and our fur friends are no exception. Especially now that fall is underway, a warming, stick-to-your ribs meal feels even better. Treat your pup to this (non-vegetarian!) Puploaf recipe created by holistic vet Dr. Judy Morgan:

 

3 lbs 90% lean ground beef

8 oz beef heart

5 oz beef liver

20 oz chicken gizzards

3 cans sardines in water, juice drained

3 tsp kelp

2 tsp ground fresh ginger

5 eggs with shell

3 oz red pepper

5 oz mixed dark leafy greens

4 oz broccoli

6 oz butternut squash

3 T flax seed oil

4 oz cranberries

4 oz shiitake mushrooms

  1. Mix all ingredients together until combined. Pour into a loaf or muffin pan. Bake at 325 F for 30 to 60 minutes, should be lightly cooked (juicy in the center, crisp on the outside).
  2. Serve at room temperature. Refrigerate Puploaf in an airtight container and use within 3 to 5 days. Freeze extra portions.

Or: if you’re not down to get experimental in the kitchen at the moment, then take a trip to Tom and Sawyer (1247 Queen St. E) which specializes in making fresh, home-cooked meals – including baked goods like muffins and cookies, for dogs, and let them do the work for you!

… or 5. just splurge on a puppucinno after your next walk

This is a fairly well-known Starbucks ‘secret menu item.’ Ask for a puppucino at your local ‘Bucks and you’ll get a cup of whipped cream for your pup to enjoy. It may not be the healthiest way to pamper your bestie, your dog will certainly adore you for it.

6. Grab a new outfit or accessory

We all need a new look to start a new season, right? Buy your pup a fresh new sweater, collar, or maybe a bow for their hair – whatever their style! Check out the merch at Dogfather and Co. (1007 Yonge St.), where they have some next-level puppy merch like Swarovski-studded bows – and be inspired.

 

7. Spend a cozy night in for some Netflix and chill

This treat goes both ways, really. Get super cozy on the couch (make it that much cozier by covering your couch with our fleece dog blanket first!) and tune into one of these Netflix gems you can watch with your pup. After you arrive home from work and your dog greets you like you’ve been gone a year, there will be no better feeling than receiving your full attention!

… or 8. adventure around at an incredible dog park

Pick a free, sunny Saturday or Sunday morning set out to one of the city’s most Instagrammable dog parks, so you can capture – and share, the memories.

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