Ottawa’s Top Winter Activities
February 13, 2020
How To: Create the Best Working From Home Space
March 18, 2020
6 Simple Ways to Pamper Your Pooch
They aren’t called “man’s best friend” for no reason! We love our little furry friends as if they are one of us. They help us through tough times, are always there for us, never pass judgements on our behaviour, and they are always excited to see us when we come home. No matter how grumpy we are feeling. Dogs are a great companion to have and it only makes sense that we should care for them as we would our family members. Having a dog means taking on a responsibility to care for and love. You don’t want to cause stress on your fluffy friend and you want to make sure his coat is always looking great! Luckily, our capital city has some paw-some places to take your dog for grooming, running and a little R&R. Check out these 6 simple ways to pamper your pooch!
#1. Snack Time!
We all love to indulge in a delicious piece of cake or a cookie from time to time, so why wouldn’t your pet also enjoy a good treat?! Of course, too many treats can also be a bad thing for your dog’s weight, so try to keep them for only special occasions or when he’s being a really good boy. Treats don’t have to break the bank, they can be a simple as feeding your pup a small piece of cooked vegetables or meat. If you aren’t into feeding your pet human food, there are lots of great options at the pet store as well. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even make your own treats for your furry friend! There are tons of great recipes online for dog treats. Some can be as simple as only 4 ingredients.
Check out this blog post on how to make the BEST homemade dog treats, yum!
#2. Long Walks on the Beach
Okay, maybe your dog isn’t as romantic as you are, but I bet he loves going for long walks! Dogs shouldn’t be left indoors for extended periods of time and are in need of stretching their legs on a daily basis. This can be an activity that is good for both your dog and yourself! Why not exercise with your best friend! Ottawa has a ton of great dog parks where your pup’s can be as social as they want while getting a chance to run and enjoy all of the sights and scents. Bring a Frisbee or a ball with you and have a game of catch. If you love to adventure as much as your pooch, check out our blog on some of Ottawa’s best hiking / walking trails, many of which you can bring your companion with you (on leash).
#3. Beauty Sleep
You wouldn’t want to sleep on a floor, so why would you make your pet sleep there? If you don’t want doggo jumping up on the furniture, you can still get him a super comfy bed from a pet store, or even Costco. If you want to get fancy, there are even Tempur-pedic dog beds made out of memory foam. There are also heated beds that are great for your short haired pup or an older dog with joint problems. If you don’t want to spend the money on a heated bed, there are also heated inserts you can purchase that you can just pop into the microwave to heat. Your dog will probably be happiest if they get to sleep in the same room as you. This way they will be less stressed when there are loud noises at night such as thunder.
#4. Dress Warmly
When it’s cold and snowy outside, the temperatures and salt can be hard on your doggy. If you are going for a walk, it is best to have booties on their feet. A jacket can be a great way to keep warm as well. If your dog is long haired, a jacket might be too much and your pup could overheat. If your dog has short hair and/or just had a trim, a jacket is probably a great idea. Remember, if your dog is not a fan of dressing up, then don’t force it upon him. If your dog is not having any part of a jacket or booties, then make sure to care for them properly after they come in from the outdoors. Make sure to carefully remove any built up snow or ice from between his toes or in his fur.
#5. Have a Spaw Day
Ottawa has an abundance of great pet groomers throughout the city. This is the ultimate way to pamper your pooch! Your dog can enjoy a day at the spa getting bathed, having their fur and nails trimmed, teeth brushed and ears cleaned. He will come home looking like a new pooch who just stepped out of Vogue magazine! If taking your pet to the groomers is too expensive, that’s okay! You can do many of these things at home as well. Regular bathing is good for their coats and keeps them looking (and smelling) great! You can purchase a doggy toothbrush and nail clippers and do them yourself. Never use human toothpaste on your dog.
#6. Re-tail Therapy
Many Ottawa pet stores are pet-friendly and you can bring your pup inside. Most dogs love adventuring outside of the house and meeting new people. The pet store is a great place to bring your pup because they are likely to run into other dogs and dog-people to socialize with. While you are there you can find treats and maybe even let your dog pick out his new toy himself! If you have to do a shopping day at places that are not dog-friendly, there are many dog boarding centres in Ottawa that you can drop your pooch off either for the day or for the hour for a fee.
