Self-care is essential for our overall health, and the same goes for our furry companions. Dogs are just as susceptible to physical and emotional stress as we are, so it’s important to make sure they get plenty of restorative activities throughout the week. A great place to start is with a self-care Sunday routine! Here's what to include in your pet's self-care routine.
Doggy Massage
Start off your self-care Sunday with a doggy massage. This will help relax their muscles and joints while also providing them with some much needed tenderness and love that they deserve. You don’t need to be an expert masseuse; just use gentle strokes to soothe any tension or soreness they may have. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with them while they enjoy the massage! Massaging is a great way to bond with your dog and has many health benefits including relaxation and calmness. Touch can be very healing especially for rescues. 4 of the best places to massage are:
Ears - gently rub circles on the ears.
Head Rub - run your thumb from the top of the nose and over the head, going back and forth slowly.
Thighs - gently stroke and massage softly.
Back - start on the front going backwards.
Fur & Foot Mask
Just like our hair can get dry in the winter - same goes for our pups! Check out our DIY hair oil and method for your dog here:
- Mix together ½ cup of olive oil and 1 cup of liquid coconut oil (if melting make sure it is cool enough to put on your dog). This combination of oils will moisturize your dog’s fur, soothe dry skin and can be a great natural anti-fungal.
- Lightly comb through your dog’s fur and leave it on for 30-45 mins, then wash or brush out any excess. Don’t forget your pup's paws too which can often get dry in the harsh winter. Save any extra mask in the fridge for your next self care Sunday!
Relaxing Lick Mat
It’s time to reward your pup with a relaxing lick mat! These treats are filled with all natural ingredients that will make their mouths water. They come in several different flavors from sweet to savory. Plus, licking the mat is an excellent way to help relieve stress and anxiety in pups of any age. Make sure to get one that is big enough for your pup so they can get the full benefit of this calming treat!
Dog Child will be releasing new Lick Mat recipes every Friday! Check out the first one here:
Enjoy Tea Time with Your Dog
Did you know dogs can also drink tea? After their treat, it’s tea time! Make a cup of chamomile & ginger tea (no sugar added!) and let them join you while you sip away. The combination of these two herbs has many calming effects on both humans and dogs alike. The chamomile will help calm their nerves while the ginger helps digestion by promoting gut health which in turn helps keep anxiety at bay. Plus, this is another great way to build up your connection with your pup!
Meal Prep
What is a Sunday without meal prepping for the week ahead? Doing this ahead of time will save you from having those rushed mornings or nights when you realize you forgot about dinner altogether! Plus, it will ensure that he always has access to nutritious meals throughout the week so his energy levels stay high even when life gets busy again! Check out Dog Child’s Meal Mixes that make meal prep simple and nutritious. Portion out for the week in the freezer and use as needed!
Taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our pets, so why not make self-care Sunday part of your weekly routine? Start off with a doggy massage followed by a relaxing lick mat treat then end it off by making him some chamomile & ginger tea as well as a meal prepping his food for the week ahead. You'll get an extra dose of bonding time that can help bring the two of you closer together. So next Sunday morning after breakfast with your furry friend, consider incorporating some self-care into both yours and your pup’s day!
