This post is brought to you in partnership with Rachael Ray Nutrish.
From treats to long walks, I love spoiling my dogs. The love I get from them is unconditional, so I want to be sure that they feel loved in return. My dogs seem to need lots of special attention, and I suspect that’s the case with most dogs. I thought it would be fun to put together a list of 9 ways to show your dog love, and I am eager to hear some of the ways you show your pups some extra TLC (so please leave me a comment).
9 Ways to Show Your Dog Love
1. Take a walk. I know it’s pushing 100 degrees outside and before long we’ll be battling the snow and ice, but dogs need exercise. Chances are so do you (self included, of course). It doesn’t have to be a marathon, but taking your dog for a walk will give him or her a chance to be an explorer and is a great way to keep your dog healthy. This time of the year, I recommend an early morning or late evening walk so your pups paws don’t get burned on the hot pavement.
2. Give your dog a good rub down. Dogs love massages, and like people they have relaxation trigger points that can help them relax. My dog, Winston, has a tendency to get stressed out. A gentle massage behind his ears seems to help him relax.
3. Lots or brushing. Both of my dogs love getting brushed. It seems to relax them. Matted fur can be uncomfortable for a dog, so a regular brushing offers multiple benefits.
4. Give your pup a special treat. My dogs love Nutrish Soup Bones and Savory Bites, but sometimes I make them homemade dog treats. They go wild for snacks!
5. Talk to your dog. My dogs are so funny when I talk to them. They love hearing what good dogs they are. I know when they are paying close attention, because of the little head tilt they do. You can read to your dog, or even sing to them. My Mom, who has a lovely voice, sings to my dogs all the time and they just love it.
6. Have play time. Pets need toys just like kids. Even an old sock tied into a knot will provide your pet with enjoyment. Both of my dogs love playing fetch, so I try to take some time out every afternoon to toss a ball or Frisbee in the back yard for them. Make a trip to the dog park. Take your dog to the beach or put a kiddie pool in the backyard. Dogs love playing in water.
7. Keep your dog clean and well groomed. Pets like to be clean and well groomed; it contributes to their health and well being. Whether you groom your pet at home or take them to the professional groomer, make sure your dog gets regular bathing and grooming, including pawdicures. Don’t forget to take care of your pets teeth. My Veterinarian says that plaque build up and infected teeth is a serious health concern for pets that can spiral into a host of other health issues. There are different types of brushes and toothpaste for pets at your local pet store, and you’re sure to find a toothpaste that your dog likes. If you’re squeamish about actually brushing your pet’s teeth, look for bones and biscuits that are made with special additives for dental care and make sure your pet gets one once a day.
8. Extra snuggle time. Either get down on the floor or sit on the couch with your dogs and give them some extra snuggle time. My sweet Lilly is a super snuggly dog, and craves extra attention. I have the luxury of working from home, and spend part of my day working from the couch with a dog snuggled up on either side of me. You don’t have to be home all day to snuggle with your pets, just take an extra 10-15 minutes out of your schedule and snuggle up with your dog.
9. Feed your dog a nutritious diet. A healthy diet is a very important part of a pets health. I feed Winston and Lilly Rachael Ray Nutrish dog food. They eat the Nutrish wet food twice a day at meal time, and I put a bowl of Nutrish Dry Dog Food out in the evening for them to snack on. Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Naturally Delish™ is the first natural wet food for dogs inspired by tasty recipes from Rachael’s kitchen. They are made with simple, wholesome ingredients like tender meat and veggies. There’s no corn, no wheat*, no soy and no fillers or artificial flavors — just essential vitamins and minerals for a nutritious and delicious food. My dogs love it!
Many thanks to Nutrish for sponsoring this post, and for making wonderfully healthy and delicious treats and food that my dogs love!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
August 28, 2014 at 5:30 PMAwww! We adopted our dog, Milo, last December. Since he wasn’t treated well in his last home, we go out of our way to show him we love him.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
August 28, 2014 at 5:43 PMDooley, our bulldog eats the ZeroGrain and has become MUCH more fit for using it!
Pam says
August 28, 2014 at 6:04 PMMy dog’s “love language” is food. He knows we love him when we give him treats and healthy food! Extra snuggle time is great, too.
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
August 28, 2014 at 6:22 PMI don’t have doggies, but your dogs are sure cute!
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
August 28, 2014 at 7:20 PMAw I love your pictures! I want to get a dog once our yard is fenced in!
deb says
August 28, 2014 at 7:45 PMOh, your puppies are so cute!! Our puppies get lots of love as well.
HilLesha says
August 28, 2014 at 8:10 PMI don’t have a dog, but I wouldn’t mind having one!
Debbie Denny says
August 28, 2014 at 8:34 PMGood to love your dog. Those treats look great
Carly Anderson says
August 28, 2014 at 9:16 PMYour puppies are too cute! I love showing my dog so much love all the time.
Anne (@notasupermom) says
August 28, 2014 at 9:20 PMWe’ve tried a sample of Nutrish. Our dog really liked it and I thought the ingredients looked excellent.
Janell Poulette says
August 28, 2014 at 10:03 PMYour dogs look like they are very loved. This looks like a great food for your furry friends.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
August 28, 2014 at 10:30 PMWhat cute little pups! We love dogs, but only have one cat right now 🙂
Ben @ Cheap is the New Classy says
August 28, 2014 at 10:48 PMYour little guys are so cute! I swear, they look just like two little ones that I used to have. I mean in every way. Thanks for sharing these pics. They brought back some good memories.
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy says
August 28, 2014 at 10:49 PMWe take our little guy for walks all the time. We don’t get very far, because his legs are so short.
Liz Mays says
August 28, 2014 at 10:50 PMI think the best tip in this post is taking your dogs for walks. Dogs need exercise just as much as people.
Lynne says
August 28, 2014 at 11:10 PMMy son and daughter-in-law’s dogs love snuggle time! I’m not sure the lab/German shepherd mix realizes how big she is though – snuggling sometimes feels more like tackling!
Felicia says
August 28, 2014 at 11:39 PMWhat sweet dogs. We have a corgi that we love to spoil.
kristin says
August 29, 2014 at 12:06 AMOh great tips. Your pup is oh so so cute!!
Candy O. says
August 29, 2014 at 12:23 AMLove all of your pictures and tips! We don’t have a doggy.. but maybe soon!!
Nicole says
August 29, 2014 at 12:36 AMWe keep are dog happy by staying active with him, grooming him, we even make him homemade dog food using the best ingredients. We also take the to our local pet store to get him a special toy.
Mommy2Jam says
August 29, 2014 at 5:39 AMYou’re dogs are adorable, It makes me think of my late dogs who I miss dearly. Great post too! However the pictures stole the show. LOL
Julie Wood says
August 29, 2014 at 8:48 AMRachel Rays dog food and treats are very healthy to give to my dog. There is only wholesome ingredients in this dog food and treats. I show my dog I love him by doing just about all of these things with him every day.
Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.com says
August 29, 2014 at 9:07 AMLove this so much! We have 3 dogs, who are all like our babies!
mary says
August 29, 2014 at 10:19 AMYour pups are adorable. Love them! I love petting my dog. He loves it too. And of course treats
LyndaS says
August 29, 2014 at 11:50 AMI am sure that my dogs would LOVE Nutrish, as well as the other methods of showing them love. My fur babies are pretty spoiled.
Everyday Living with Chrys says
August 29, 2014 at 12:40 PMMy two are very spoiled. Since I work from home they have their own space in the office. We spend a lot of time together.
Brett says
August 29, 2014 at 2:14 PMour tobey LOVES walks. always has, and i like bringing him for the company when i’m alone. he’s 13 1/2 and acts like he’s 3 1/2!
Krystal says
August 29, 2014 at 2:32 PMWe love the dog beach! I know my dogs also get happy when they get bathed 🙂
Janel (A Mom's Take) says
August 29, 2014 at 2:44 PMThe posts you do with your dogs in them are the sweetest. I wish we had a dog, but we don’t. I’d show him or her love daily!
Tracey says
August 29, 2014 at 3:33 PMThis is such a nice post. I love my dog and like to make sure he is healthy and happy.
Lisa says
August 29, 2014 at 3:56 PMI’m always talking to Mr. Cooper! Extra snuggles are awesome too.
Christie says
August 29, 2014 at 4:56 PMLooks like your little dogs are in good hands! I love the pics 🙂
Kelsey Apley says
August 29, 2014 at 4:59 PMOh I love these ways. We have a dog, Ruger, he is such a sweetheart! He loves his playtime and a good treat from coming in from outside.
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
August 29, 2014 at 5:12 PMYour pups are so sweet! My dogs love snacks and lots of snuggle time. I wish they enjoyed being brushed but they hate it! LOL!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
August 29, 2014 at 5:14 PMVery true. Dogs so need those walks. It really shows them you care. I love my fur babies as well.
Veronica says
August 29, 2014 at 5:23 PMMy dog loves snuggles and walks. That is all he ever needs….well food and water and a comfy bed too 🙂
courtney b says
August 29, 2014 at 5:27 PMi like cuddling with my dog and giving her special treats like bully treats. OR walks.. she LOVES a good walkk. 🙂
Amber Conaway says
August 29, 2014 at 7:25 PMWe all love loving on our doggie! Especially our son! We have such a loving doggie!
Kathy says
August 29, 2014 at 10:06 PMMy poor baby dog. He loves going out for walks and lately he has been neglected. Thanks for the reminder that our dogs need love too.
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
August 29, 2014 at 10:12 PMOur dogs love language is food, anything for a treat :), he is such a good pooch.
Marybeth Hamilton says
August 29, 2014 at 11:01 PMI totally agree with all of these. Our dogs need to feel love.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
August 29, 2014 at 11:08 PMThese are some great ways to show your pet love. We are looking to add a pet to our family. Awesome tips.
Raijean says
August 29, 2014 at 11:39 PMGreat tips, my dog is like a part of the family so this is important.
Tammy S says
August 30, 2014 at 8:55 AMGreat tips! I really liked the Rub Down one. I know our dog loves for you to give her massages. She will lay next to you for hours waiting for you to give her a good massage.
sohair says
August 30, 2014 at 10:13 AMJust because they are animals some people think they have to be cruel we should love animals just the same way we want to be treated
Carly from The Puzzled Palate says
August 30, 2014 at 11:07 AMWe love our fur-babies! We do feed them a healthy diet… of course we add the occasional treat!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
August 30, 2014 at 2:10 PMYour doggies are adorable! We only have cats here but some of the same tips apply.
Crystal Green says
August 30, 2014 at 7:28 PMThese are some really good tips to spoil your little dog. Those treats look like great treat for a dog.
Rachel says
August 30, 2014 at 8:42 PMWe have three dogs. They love playing fetch and cuddles. All of them hate baths but they love getting brushed so it works out.
Katie says
August 31, 2014 at 5:07 PMas soon as my daughter is just a little older we’ll likely adopt a dog, however our community has BSL so we’re not able to adopt a pit bull like we had hoped for.
Sarah @ Play 2 Learn with Sarah says
August 31, 2014 at 5:41 PMGreat tips…many people don’t realize that you really have to be careful about fillers in dog food! Always worth it to buy good food!
Kait says
August 31, 2014 at 10:20 PMAww love this as my dog is snoring like an old man at my feet 🙂
Kate F. says
September 1, 2014 at 5:24 PMMy dogs love massages and walks.
[email protected] Food Ramblings says
September 2, 2014 at 4:30 PMLove these pictures! Your dogs are too cute!
Crystal says
September 4, 2014 at 5:58 PMMy doggie gets a little ignored during the day while the kids are at school and I’m busily working. I need to take little breaks to snuggle or pet him throughout the day.
Marcie W. says
September 10, 2014 at 4:38 PMOur Harvey definitely gets spoiled. He goes on morning runs with my husband a few times a week, gets a lot of cuddles and pets, and always enjoys his share of treats too.