3 Self-Care Suggestions For Large-Breed Dog Parents

Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of dog parenting or a seasoned professional, inviting a large, furry, four-legged friend into your life means devoting much of your time to ensure they get the best care possible. Between taking them for walks and ensuring they take their natural dog supplements, caring for a dog while juggling an already hectic lifestyle can mean putting your self-care rituals on the back burner, leading to physical/mental problems.

However, admit the joy and responsibility of raising your sizeable furry friend; it is vital that you don’t overlook your own health and well-being to ensure you have the patience/effort to meet your dog’s needs. This article explores several self-care suggestions specifically tailored for large-breed dog parents; from establishing boundaries to eating right, we discuss how to best look after your mental/physical well-being (and your furry companions!).

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet

Eating a balanced, nutritious diet is a critical component of your dog's (and your!) needs; therefore, it is essential that you are fuelling both of you correctly with the proper vitamins, minerals, and supplements.

The latter is an excellent way to add nutritional value to your large breed’s diet, whether you feed them shop-brought kibble/wet food or raw since they’re designed to reinforce your dog’s health in areas where they might need a little more support like their coat, digestion and energy levels.

As well as helping in areas of improvement, supplements for dogs can also help with various health conditions or ensure that they get the proper combination of vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

To learn more about supplements for dogs, consider visiting websites like ProDog Raw, where you can browse their entire catalogue of products, read how-to guides and explore customer reviews, and discover how their dog supplements could help your furry friend’s diet today.

Get the recommended amount of physical activity

Another critical aspect of self-care that will benefit you and your dog is getting the recommended daily physical activity. Depending on your dog’s age and breed (and yours!), their activity requirements will vary, so if you’re unsure, ensure you contact a vet for tailored advice.

While all dog parents understand how important it is for their furry companion to get sufficient exercise, prioritising yours is equally important. Thankfully, aside from taking your dog for their daily walks, you can incorporate more physical activity into both your routines in various ways.

From taking your dog with you every time you go for a brisk walk/run to joining dog-friendly fitness classes, finding ways to incorporate your dog into your physical activity regime will give you a much-needed break and ensure you stay active.

Establish boundaries

While any pet owner will attest to the fact that their dog is their life, it is essential to establish boundaries when caring for larger breeds to prevent physical/mental burnout. Since they require constant attention and supervision, it is imperative that you teach your dog where they can retreat when they want to unwind or entertain themselves without you being a part of it.

During these periods when your furry friend is winding down, use the time to do activities that will recharge your batteries, such as having a bath, reading a book, or participating in a pastime, as this will ensure that you have a healthy balance between your dog’s needs and yours.