Whether your me-time go-to is taking a walk around the block, smoothing on a facemask, or throwing a solo dance party, odds are your self-care routine is personalized to what you know works best for helping you de-stress.
Newsflash: Your dog is no different—because yes, dogs can feel stressed too, and their needs are as individualized as yours.
In Partnership With
The Simple Self-Care Routine for Every Type of Dog
“Dogs are individuals and need to be cared for differently based on their physical attributes, their biological needs, and their personality or behavior preferences,” says Darcia Kostiuk, DVM, senior veterinarian behind ACANA® Pet Foods. “For example, one dog may love having their fur brushed, whereas the other may run away as soon as you bring out the comb!”
But since your dog can’t exactly put on a face mask or cook themselves a healthy dinner, that’s where you come in. Scroll down to find the personalized self-care routine for your type of dog, so you can treat your furry BFF to the fresh-air activity, stimulating new toy, and nourishing ACANA® dog food that will make them feel as cared for as they deserve.
Beyond the rambunctious cuddles and (somehow still charming) sloppy puppy kisses, caring for your new little ball of fluff means setting them up for a healthy life even after they grow into their paws. First on that care list is getting their nutrition squared away, according to board certified veterinary nutritionist Joe Bartges, DVM, PhD.
“Puppies are obviously growing and require nutrients to promote healthy growth and development,” Dr. Bartges says. “Puppies require more protein than adult dogs, and higher levels of some vitamins and minerals.”
That’s why the first two ingredients in ACANA® Puppy & Junior Formula are fresh or raw chicken and turkey, making the recipe nutrient-dense and high in protein. And with a balance of 60 percent quality animal ingredients and 40 percent fruits and vegetables like whole pumpkin, you know they’re getting all the vitamins and minerals they need.
Beyond nutrition, both Dr. Kostiuk and Dr. Bartges recommend letting your pup do what they like best: play. “Socialization with other puppies, dogs, and humans is very important to their mental development,” Dr. Kostiuk says. Pick up a puppy-friendly harness to practice walking on a leash, and train them to play fetch (another great activity for combining exercise with socialization) with a soft toy that won’t damage their baby teeth.
The Playful Puppy
Puppy & Junior Formula
$64
ACANA®
SHOP NOW
SHOP NOW
Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness
$13
Best Pet Supplies
SHOP NOW
Puppy Dog Toy
$7
KONG
Think about how you feel when you’ve been sitting at your desk all day vs. when you fit a workout in (endorphins are a real form of self care, y’all). Despite how tempting it might be to snuggle with your little dog on the couch all day, getting out for some exercise has loads of benefits for your pup, too—as long as the lineup is tailored to their size.
“[The outdoor activities I’d recommend for small dogs are the] same as for larger dogs—just scaled down in time and scope to ensure the smaller dog can handle it and still enjoy themselves,” Dr. Kostiuk says. “For example, instead of a 60-minute walk, reduce the time to 20 minutes or to a point where the dog is tired but still able to walk with enthusiasm. Picking up the dog and doing the work for them is not physically or mentally beneficial to the dog.”
Once you’ve nailed down exercise, reward them with a nourishing bowl of ACANA® Wholesome Grains Small Breed dog food, which comes in smaller kibble size and includes essential omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to promote brain health plus a shiny coat.
The Cuddly Lap Dog
SHOP NOW
Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe
$37
ACANA®
SHOP NOW
Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash
$9
Flexi
SHOP NOW
Latex Squeaky
Puppy Toy
$6
Frisco
“Large dog” isn’t always synonymous with “loads of energy,” but if it is for your dog, think of their self-care needs as similar to your friend whose idea of a good time is a super-sweaty HIIT workout followed by a spin class (you know the ones).
“In addition to walks, room to run and play fetch are good,” Dr. Bartges says. “Swimming in a pool or a natural body of water is good exercise as well. More organized activities such as dock diving, etc. are also worth looking into.”
But just like your workout-loving friend might need a reminder to take a rest day every now and then, your energetic pup also needs ample time to rest and recover. “One thing with exercise is to make sure it is not overdone and that the dog—whether a large or a small breed—be watched,” Dr. Bartges says. “Make sure to give time to rest and cool down, and to drink water.”
As any fitness lover knows, part of recovery is refueling with high-quality food, which is why you’ll want to have ACANA® Wild Atlantic dog food on hand as a post-exercise doggie dinner. With 70 percent animal ingredients like whole mackerel, herring, redfish, silver hake, and flounder, plus fresh or raw vegetables and fruit, it’s high in protein and fiber to help power your dog through playtime, every day.
The Fetch-Loving
Large Dog
SHOP NOW
Wild Atlantic Dry
Dog Food
$88
ACANA®
SHOP NOW
Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
$50
YETI
SHOP NOW
Amphibious Bumper Floating Fetch Toy
$10
ChuckIt!
For a foodie, a self-care night might involve snacking their way through the whole appetizer list at their favorite restaurant. But if you’ve got an easily disrupted digestive system, your happy place might look more like popping a probiotic and sipping a kombucha mocktail.
If your pup has an equally sensitive stomach (or just a discerning palate), the best way to treat them to a daily moment of self care is by finding a food they really love—and that loves them back.
According to Dr. Kostiuk, opting for a single-protein food can often be a good option for picky eaters. “Another situation in which you may use ACANA® limited animal protein sources would be in the case of a protein sensitivity,” she says. “Once you have figured out which animal protein sources your dog likes, you can then stick to the single-protein diet that they like best.”
ACANA® has five different single-protein recipes to choose from—using duck, lamb, beef, pork, or turkey as the main ingredient—so you can definitely find one that’s pup-approved.
Above all, don’t get frustrated if it takes time to find what makes your dog happiest. “It can be a bit of a trial and error situation, but the better you get to know what your dog likes and what their needs are, you can create that self-care routine for them.” And your pup will love you
(extra) for it.
The Sensitive Eater
SHOP NOW
Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
$37
ACANA®
SHOP NOW
Liquid Probiotic
for Dogs
$45
MARY RUTH's
SHOP NOW
Heartbeat Dog Pillow
$38
petzu
SHOP NOW
Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness
$13
Best Pet Supplies
SHOP NOW
Puppy Dog Toy
$7
KONG
SHOP NOW
Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe
$37
ACANA®
SHOP NOW
Classic Nylon Tape Retractable Dog Leash
$9
FLEXI
SHOP NOW
Latex Squeaky Puppy Toy
$6
FRISCO
SHOP NOW
Wild Atlantic Dry Dog Food
$88
ACANA®
SHOP NOW
Boomer 8 Dog Bowl
50
YETI
SHOP NOW
Amphibious Bumper Floating Fetch Toy
$10
CHUCKIT!
SHOP NOW
Singles + Wholesome Grains Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
$37
ACANA®
SHOP NOW
Liquid Probiotic for Dogs
$45
MARY RUTH'S
SHOP NOW
Heartbeat Dog Pillow
$38
petzu