While loving your dog or cat might seem like a simple and easy thing to do, there's more to that than just adoring your petsand spoiling them with treats and toys.  

Loving your dog or cat is all about ensuring their health and well-being, and that includes building a strong bond with them, and making them feel safe and cared for. A true pet parent will always have his dog or cat’s best interest a top priority. Here are a few ways on how to show your pets you love them.  


Photo from @buenapaws 

1. Feed them healthy

As pet parents, we want our pets to live as long as possible. Feeding healthy is the best way to maximize their life expectancy and improve their quality of life. And for all the unconditional love they give us, it’s only right that we feed them healthy, to help them live long, healthy, and quality lives they deserve.  

When we eat wholesome, nutritious food and adopt a healthy lifestyle, we look and feel better. The same goes for our beloved dogs and cats. Natural pet food helps improve their skin and coat, boosts their energy levels, aids digestion, and helps promote a healthy weight.  

According to research, inactive pets are likely to have eaten low-quality processed foods with artificial ingredients, while energetic and bubbly pets can be attributed to a healthy diet. Feed them good food and you can expect good moods! 


Photo from @francezcabajandi 

2. Take them outto socialize

Unsocialized pets, especially dogs, are often fearful and defensive in unfamiliar situations. Not properly exposing them to new people, environments, and situations causes them to get extremely stressed and end up associating these moments as bad experiences.  


Pets are social by nature and spending their days isolated and unchallenged are likely to make them unhappy. Spend quality time with your dogs and cats and take the time to bring them outside to meet new people and fur-friends. The better socialized they are, the happier they will be. 

We’re always happy to meet your beloved pets in our stores! Our friendly Bow & Wow Pet Care Advisors would be glad to recommend the best items suited for your pet’s specific needs and give them lots of hugs and kisses as well! 


 Photo from @mysassysushi 

3. Play with them

Playing with your dog or cat helps release their energy, relieve their stress and strengthen the bond between your and your pet.  

Play time helps keep the heart healthy, improve coordination and balance, and keeps bones and joints flexible and nimble. Interactive games that challenges your pet also helps improve their mental health.  

Happy animals are active animals. Take time each day to exercise and play with them as playtime allows them to be mentally stimulated and physically challenged. Their time with you is limited, and YOU are the bright spot in their otherwise uneventful day. Simply being with them will mean the world to them. 


Photo from @themightlylyonking 

4. Give them space 

Create a comfy space in your home where your pet can simply be and let their paws hang loose. Giving your pet his own space (with his very own bed!) will give them a sense of security, make them more comfortable and feel at ease. Choose a space that is more secluded, but your pet should be able to access easily. It should be away from places where there will be a lot of noise and activity, like the kitchen or living room. 


Shop for things you can fill their space with to make it extra comfortable and convenient! You’ll find all the pet care items you’ll need at bow & wow stores.  


5. Give them a daily brush and belly rub

A well-groomed and pampered pet is a happy pet. Make sure to brush their hair daily, ensure that there are no tangled or matted hair as this can be painful for them. Keep their hair out of their eyes so that there is no discomfort or obstruction of vision.  

Check their fur for any parasite infestation, or for any unusual bumps or wounds. This fur-check can also double as a nice massage for your pet.  

A pampering massage and daily brush will not only make them look and feel good, it will also strengthen the bond between you and your pet! 


6. Keep track of their health

Keeping your pet healthy is an important part of responsible pet parenting.  

Even if your dog or cat does not any noticeable or ongoing medical conditions and seems perfectly healthy, it is important for the veterinarian to examine your pet regularly. During this routine check-up, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and check your pet from nose to tail for any signs of irritation, discomfort, or unusual bumps, scratches, and even signs of any internal issues. Your veterinarian will check on your pet’s vital signs, might take a blood sample, and if your pet needs them, gives them booster shots or vaccinations.  

Schedule regular vet visits and provide them the vitamins and supplements they need to live long, healthy, and happy lives. Health and happiness go paw-in-paw, so always consider whether your pet’s total well-being is in balance 


7. Spend as much quality time with them

The best way to show them just how much they are loved, is just to spend as much time with them as you can. Take a few extra minutes to cuddle or play with them just a little bit longer.  Being with you is the best part of their day, and giving them that extra attention would definitely show how much you love them.