Pet parenthood isn't what it used to be. In the past, that tail-wagging greeting when you returned
home was the best part of your day. Now? Your furry friend comes along for the ride—from vacations to outdoor activities to mealtime—as pet parents like you are blazing new trails on what life with a
four-legged companion looks like (with wellness at the center of it all, of course).
Spoiler alert: It's looking like a lot of fun that you don’t want to miss out on. Together with
Nature's Recipe®, we're following wellness-loving wanderluster Katie Boué as she stamps her dog Spaghetti’s (figurative) passport on a (literal) multi-leg adventure. Along the way, Boué and veterinarian Jordan Kautz, DVM, are sharing tips on how to boost your dog's wellness and get outdoors together.
With more opportunities for adventure, more bonding, and more goodness for your pet's bowl,
this is the inspiration you need to fuel more wag-worthy adventures.
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Go for a swim
Need an outdoor activity for your pup beyond your daily hot *dog* walk? Swimming is an excellent option for getting your pet out of the heat, while still getting in some exercise time. “[Swimming] is a great way to exercise a dog that will keep them cool at the same time and reduce or eliminate hard friction on their joints for the larger breed dogs,” Dr. Kautz says.
No water near you? No problem—fill up a baby pool, spray your dog with a hose on a gentle setting, or go to a splash pad at a local dog park for the same cool-down effect. Just remember to keep your pup inside during extreme heat.
tip 5:
News flash: The feeling of comfort you get when you’re with a close friend is exactly how your pets feel when you interact with them, which is why it’s so important to spend quality one-on-one time with your dog, according to Dr. Kautz. However you want to do so is up to you, but Boué and Spaghetti recommend biking or jogging to your favorite farmer’s market or kayaking together (with life vests, of course) if you’re ready to shake up your pup’s normal routine.
Spend quality time together
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Switch up your pet’s summer routine by bringing them hiking and/or camping with you. Not only will this change of scenery open up a whole new world for your excited pup, but they’ll also love the chance to snuggle up with their favorite person (or people) overnight. When hiking, Boué says to follow your dog’s lead in terms of pacing, no matter how slow they may be. “Slow down, take in every flower, investigate every pond, pause for every bug you see,” Boué says.
Take a hike
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Summer is all about adventures galore, but don’t forget that you—and your furry sidekick—need downtime, too. Make sure you’re both taking breaks during long activities, staying hydrated, and leaving space in your schedule for a joint nap or two. “Spaghetti loves to play hard…but she also has her limits and knows them well,” Boué says. “We let her dictate her needs, and we do our best to listen and provide for her so she’s happy and healthy for endless adventures together.”
Build in time for rest
tip 6:
Nature’s Recipe® Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato, & Pumpkin Recipe Dog Food
Fuel the Wag
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Like you, your pet deserves some extra self care from time to time, and odds are they’ll enjoy a warm bath or back massage after an activity-packed day of adventuring as much as you do. “If we’re enjoying a little something-something for ourselves, we make sure to include Spaghetti,” Boué says. Keep healthy treats on hand (Nature’s Recipe® single-serving cups of wet food work great for an extra special nutritious treat) to spoil your good dog—just take Dr. Kautz’s advice and don’t go overboard. Sometimes belly scratches are just as satisfying as a treat!
Treat yourselves
tip 3:
Fill Their Bowl With Purposeful Ingredients
Fuel the Wag
Nature’s Recipe®
Grain Free Chicken & Duck
Recipe in Savory Broth
Fill Their Bowl With Purposeful Ingredients
You wouldn’t head out for a day of activities without packing a nourishing snack, and the same mindfulness about food should apply to your dog’s food, too. Follow Dr. Kautz’s three steps for determining your doggo’s diet: First, talk to your vet about the ingredients you should be looking for (your pup deserves to eat high-quality meals too!). Second, ensure your pup’s diet is appropriate for their size, age, and breed. And third, find out if your dog has any food allergies or sensitivities that should be avoided or if they need a specifically formulated diet.
Stay nourished
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