Dog wellness is much more than avoiding illness or injury. Like humans, dogs thrive when their physical, emotional, and social needs are met. As pet guardians, we’re responsible for not only their health but also ensuring they live a happy, balanced life through proactive care.
Proactive dog wellness Care: The Wellness Continuum
Many pet guardians only seek help when their dog shows health problems or behavioral issues, like reactivity or anxiety. This reactive approach can be stressful for both the dog and the guardian. Instead, we can focus on proactive care, where we build strong bonds with our dogs, communicate effectively, and manage their environment so they can thrive. This helps avoid problems before they arise, promoting a calm and happy dog.
Key Dimensions of Proactive Dog Wellness Care
To keep your dog happy and healthy, it’s essential to address different aspects of their wellness:
Physical Wellness: A healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial for your dog’s physical health. Whether it’s running, playing fetch, or long walks, physical activity helps prevent weight issues and keeps your dog fit.
Mental Wellness: Dogs experience the world through their noses. Activities like scent work, tracking, and slow “sniffari” walks stimulate their minds. Letting them sniff freely is not only fun but also helps them relax, lowering their heart rate and easing anxiety.
Emotional Wellness: Just like humans, dogs need emotional stability. Positive reinforcement, affection, and a secure routine help build their confidence and reduce stress. Pay attention to signs of stress and anxiety, and create an environment where they feel safe.
Social Wellness: Socialization is key to a dog’s development. Expose your dog to various environments, people, and other dogs early on to build their confidence and reduce fear or aggression. A well-socialized dog is more likely to be relaxed and comfortable in new situations.
Environmental Wellness: Dogs need a safe, enriching environment. Ensure they have a quiet space to rest, stimulating toys, and playtime to prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors.
Wellness vs. Well-being in Proactive Dog Care
When we talk about wellness, we’re referring to the active choices we make for our dog’s health, such as proper diet and exercise. Well-being, on the other hand, focuses on their emotional and mental state—how content and secure they feel daily. To truly care for your dog, both aspects must be addressed.
A Proactive Approach to Dog Wellness and Happiness
By taking a proactive approach to your dog’s wellness, you can prevent many common issues before they start. Provide them with mental stimulation, social opportunities, and an emotionally safe environment. Giving dogs choices, like which activity to do, which toy to play with, or which direction to go on a walk, helps them feel more in control, which in turn reduces stress and increases their happiness. When your dog feels secure and empowered, they’re more likely to be calm, confident, and well-behaved, making life more enjoyable for both of you!
Sources:
Global Wellness Institute (Human Wellness Reference): [Global Wellness Institute](https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/what-is-wellness/)
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB): [AVSAB](https://avsab.org)
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC): [IAABC](https://iaabc.org)
VCA Hospitals – Pet Health and Wellness Resources: [VCA Hospitals](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet)
Cat and Dog House – Benefits of Sniffing: [Cat and Dog House](https://www.catanddoghouse.com/benefits-of-sniffing)
Tufts Your Dog – Sniffing and Heart Rate: [Tufts Your Dog](https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/everydaydogcare/giving-your-dog-time-to-sniff-on-walks-will-literally-soothe-his-heart/)
Dog Field Study – Pulse Study: [Dog Field Study](https://www.dogfieldstudy.com/en/study/pulse-study-at-the-heart-of-the-walk)
Krisztina Harasztosi MSc.
CDBC, ADT-IAABC
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