How to Spoil Your Dog: 8 Ways to Give Them the Best Day Ever

The saying goes, “Dogs are one part of your world, but to them, you are their whole world.” Dogs give us so much love and comfort just by being themselves: following us around, wagging their tails, and looking into our soul with those puppy dog eyes. Dogs make us happy during tough times. As their caregiver, it’s our job to make them feel loved, and that means spoiling them every once in a while. But that doesn’t necessarily mean giving them a burger right off the grill or loading them up with treats. It’s important to know how to treat a dog the right way. They deserve it!

Is it OK to Spoil Your Dog?

Sometimes we can love our dogs too much. Let’s take a look at the fine line between overindulging your pooch and treating them with some extra love.

The Dark Side of Spoiling Your Dog

Overfeeding means exactly that: too much food. Extra food, especially extra human food, is not a healthy way to spoil your dog. Small treats are good to use as training tools and to reward good behavior. Normalizing excess eating could put your pet at risk for weight-related diseases.

Overstimulation can mean too much exercise or too much attention. Treating your dog to a hike or long walk is great, but do so within their energy level and capability. Observe them. If they’re slowing down, cut the hike or walk short.

Spoiling your dog by giving her all your attention might be great for some dogs, but others might like their occasional alone time. Strike up a rotation between special time with you, socialization with other animal friends, and solitude. Adjust the balance of activities according to your dog’s happiness. Different breeds, and individual dogs within those breeds, have unique personalities and preferences.

The Key to Pampering your Dog in a Healthy, Positive Way

Observation and balance are key to healthy spoiling. Observe which activities, toys, and routines make your dog happy. A balanced life for your pup can be blissful without being overly indulgent. If you sense you are babying your dog, take a step back, evaluate if she really needs that extra treat, and think of an alternative way to show your dog you love her.

Positive spoiling looks like establishing healthy practices, and loving your dog the way she wants to be loved! One of the great things about dogs is that they let you know when they’re happy with a wag of their tail. The more wags, the more confident you can be that you’re on the right track!

8 Fun Ways to Spoil Your Dog

Still wondering, “how to spoil my dog - specifically?” If you’re looking for more concrete ideas, start with a variety of high-quality products and engaging activities:

1. Give them gourmet treats: Organic Sweet Potato Crisps are low fat, all natural, rich in vitamins and minerals, and easy on the digestive tract. Needless to say, they’re a step up from generic, fatty treats made with artificial ingredients and flavors. These crisps are non-GMO with no added preservatives — and they’re absolutely delicious.
2. Buy them a luxurious dog bed (or two!): Our collection has a ton of options, whether you’re looking for something they can sprawl out on, or curl up in. Velvety soft, orthopedic, vegan, and cruelty-free bedding is sure to pamper a dog in the best way. Have comfortable beds in multiple locations for your dog: a donut calming bed as their home base, an outdoor dog bed for the patio, and a dog blanket for the couch.
3. Have a variety of toys: squeaky, plush toys, dental chews, Kongs, balls, Frisbees, roped toys, and more! Take your dog with you to the pet store and see which toys she is drawn to. Some toys are meant to engage both humans and dogs in play, and other toys allow your dog to be entertained solo. Treat-containing Kongs provide mental and physical stimulation. Dental bones taste delicious while improving dogs breath, teeth, and gums. Plush toys can be comforting to a dog, like a teddy bear is to a child. A variety of toys is a surefire method for how to spoil your dog.
4. Schedule playdates: Take your dog to the dog park, to spend the afternoon with a dog friend down the street, or drop him off doggie day care. Dogs are traditionally pack animals, and most enjoy a healthy social life!
5. Engage their mind: Teach your dog tricks, like going through an obstacle course. Or you can start easy, like “Lie down.” Even if they don’t catch on right away, they’ll likely enjoy your attention!
6. Go adventuring: Go on a hike, take them to the beach, or take them on a joy ride in the car (with a dog car seat for safety). When you go on a walk, let them choose the route. Allow them to follow their nose!
7. Let them be free: While adventuring, remove the leash in safe areas to let them run around (depending on your dog. You know them best, so assess the situation and proceed accordingly). Take off their collar when inside to let them relax.
8. Take them to the dog salon: Give your long-haired doggo a professional haircut, or get your rambunctious pup in tip-top shape with a groomer for some expert dog pampering.

Over-the-Top Ways to Spoil Your Dog

Now that you’ve got the basics of how to spoil your dog, let’s take it to the next level. Here are some seriously fancy ways to treat your dog to their best day ever.

1. Apply Organic Vegan Paw Balm: To state the obvious, dogs don’t have shoes. They walk on gravel, ice, snow, and hot pavement. Their hardworking paws deserve some love. This healing cream is antibacterial, nontoxic, and cruelty-free. It’s safe for humans, too!
2. Clean their nose: Sometimes our dogs’ noses get crusty and dry. Nuzzle their muzzle with some sulfate, phthalate, and paraben-free Organic Vegan Nose Balm. Keeping their nose moisturized and healthy is a great method for how to pamper your dog. It can also help with skin conditions on the nose, like hyperkeratosis.
3. Give them a bath: Get some premium dog bath supplies and treat them to some serious pampering! While plain dog shampoo gets the job done, this hypoallergenic All in One Shampoo & Conditioner is a next level spa experience. It’ll keep your dog’s coat silky, shiny, healthy, tangle-free, and moisturized.
4. Get them a cute outfit: Okay, this one might be more for you than for them. But whether it’s a Halloween costume, Christmas vest, or a cute companion hoodie, comfortable outfits keep them cozy on brisk walks, and ready for spontaneous photo shoots. Or try a bandana for an everyday look!
5. Treat them to deep relaxation: Hire a dog masseuse or reiki practitioner to help your dog deeply relax.
6. Upgrade their collar: Personalize it, monogram it, make it their own. Up their style with a high-quality collar or leash and take your walks to the next level.

Easy Pampering for Your Pup

One of the best methods for how to spoil a dog is to purchase luxury companion products. From luxury dog beds to vegan spa essentials, Animals Matter offers premium pet products to spoil your dog in a healthy, loving way. Browse our collection of dog pampering essentials today!