7 Ways to Boost Your Dog’s Quality of Life
December 21, 2022
Written By: Earth Buddy Team
You’re probably familiar with the idea of quality of life (QOL) as it applies to humans. A person with a high QOL is expected to have a positive outlook on life and be able to engage in activities that bring joy and meaning. The same concept applies to dog quality of life, too.
A dog with a high QOL will be happy, healthy, and energetic. You know your dog best, and once you begin to notice their behavior changing, their quality of life could be slipping. Providing your dog with a high quality of life goes beyond addressing a dog’s basic needs. To help maintain a high quality of life for your dog, we have compiled a list of seven tips below.
#1: Boost Their Immune System
Canine immune health is an important aspect of your pet's overall health and well-being.
The immune system is the body's defense mechanism against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. When these invaders are detected by the body, antibodies are produced to combat them. The immune system also helps the body repair damaged tissue, which aids in healing wounds and fighting infections.
Glutathione is a tripeptide that consists of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. It's a peptide molecule, which means that its structure has been broken down into smaller pieces of protein. The body produces glutathione naturally when it needs it; however, some dogs don't make enough of this substance on their own. In this case, they may need to take a supplement or eat foods rich in the molecule.
Glutathione is an important antioxidant because it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals — unstable molecules that damage cells over time by stealing electrons from other molecules in the body. Free radicals can be created by exposure to toxins like cigarette smoke or pesticides and stress. A deficiency of glutathione can lead to increased oxidative stress and decreased immune function.
#2: Daily Exercise
Exercise is important for all dogs, but especially those with joint problems like aches and discomfort. A daily walk can help increase the range of motion and flexibility in their joints, which can improve their quality of life. If you’re unsure how much exercise your dog needs, talk to your veterinarian about how much walking or other physical activity is appropriate for them.
If you don't have time for an hour-long jog every day, consider other ways that get your dog moving: playing fetch in the backyard or having them chase after their favorite toy could work just as well! Remember, dogs remain engaged if they have an interest in the activity. If your dog needs more than just a walk around the block (or even if he doesn't), consider joining a doggy daycare center where they will get plenty of exercise while you're working.
#3: Bonding with Your Dog
Bonding is an important part of being a pet owner. It helps to improve your dog's quality of life and allows you to communicate more effectively with one another. Bonding with your dog will allow you to understand how dogs communicate. You will learn your dog’s appearance when they’re feeling certain ways and understand what their normal behavior is.
You will be able to see the difference in your dog's behavior when they are bonded with their pet parent because they will be more relaxed around them and they will trust them much more than others.
They will also feel happier with a healthy human-animal bond because they know they have someone who loves them unconditionally, which makes them feel safe and secure.
#4: Maintain Oral Health
Dogs are prone to dental problems, just like humans. Unfortunately, they don't have the same ability to brush their teeth as we do. This means that they need some extra help in the dental department. It's important to keep your dog's teeth healthy because they can cause a lot of irritation and discomfort if they're neglected.
Dental issues also affect the quality of life of dogs, so it's important to take care of them before they become a problem. If you notice any signs that your dog might be having dental problems, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. You'll want to take preventative measures before the problem gets too severe and requires major treatment or surgery.
#5: Help Your Dog Sleep
Orthopedic dog beds are beneficial to your pets because they help to relieve some of the aches and pains that are common in older dogs. Older dogs often develop problems with mobility, which can make it difficult for them to get comfortable while sleeping on a hard surface. The firmness of an orthopedic dog bed helps to support the joints, so your pet can sleep comfortably without waking up with discomfort.
Orthopedic dog beds are also useful for older pets who have trouble getting around. It's important that these pets have access to comfortable sleeping surfaces that won't cause further discomfort while they lie down at night or nap during the day. This can help increase their energy levels and improve their quality of life.
You will likely see just how much support an orthopedic dog bed offers after just a few nights of your dog using it. Watch your dog’s behavior and note any changes.
#6: Help Your Dog Maintain Socialization
Socialization is an important part of any pet's life. If you don't socialize your dog, he or she may become fearful of people, other animals, and situations.
Socialization helps your dog adjust to the world around him, which makes it easier for him to learn new things and adapt to new situations. The more your dog is exposed to different people, places, and things, the more comfortable he will be in those situations. Even if you have already socialized your dog, this must be a continuous process for a dog to maintain the level of socialization they’re at.
Here are some tips for socializing your dog:
- Introduce your puppy to lots of different people, such as friends and family members. Invite family members and other guests over occasionally for lunch or dinner. This will help him get used to being around strangers later on.
- Take your puppy on walks with other dogs so he gets used to being around other animals at an early age.
- Go on outings where there are a lot of people and other dogs present, like at the park or beach, so your puppy becomes familiar with them from an early age.
#7: Offer Supplements
Providing supplements that support a healthy inflammatory response can improve your dog’s quality of life. Supplements like full-spectrum hemp extract may help an ailing dog with the discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity. Senior dogs that are experiencing the discomforts of aging may also benefit from supplements like mushrooms or full-spectrum hemp extract. By enhancing the physical and mental well-being of the animal, their quality of life can be improved.
The Dog Quality of Life Scale
Each organization, and even most pet owners, have their own quality of life scale. When determining your dog’s quality of life, it is important to remember that there are many factors that can affect the way they feel and act. There are also many ways to help your dog feel better, even if they are not in perfect health.
A dog's quality of life can be good or bad depending on a variety of factors. The first step in figuring out your pet's quality of life is to look at their health and well-being as a whole. If your dog has any health conditions that are impacting their ability to enjoy life as they should, jot down the joys of life they still have.
Determining if your pet's quality of life is good or bad can be difficult because it all depends on how much discomfort they're in at the moment. Some dogs are able to go on living with consistent discomfort, while others cannot tolerate even the slightest ache or discomfort.
There are several signs that your dog may be suffering from poor quality of life. The most common signs include:
- Lying on the floor all day with no energy or desire to move
- Staring blankly into space
- Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Lack of appetite or not drinking enough
- Not responding when you call their name or pet them
If your dog has been showing any of these signs for more than a few days or if they have recently suffered from an injury or illness, it is important that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
For further reading, we recommend:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19143933/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12171175/
- https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/82/8/ajvr.82.8.653.xml
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0141907
- https://ivcjournal.com/understanding-the-power-of-medicinal-mushrooms-in-your-practice/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/9/2481
You Might Also Enjoy
Learning how to calm a dog down is an essential skill to have in your…
Whole foods are integral to a dog’s diet, offering unprocessed, natural nutrients that promote and…
Hemp seeds, harvested from the hemp plant known as Cannabis sativa, have become known as…