This post contains affiliate links, and we may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking them.

‍

April marks Active Dog Month, which encourages pet parents to keep their pups active, healthy, and happy — especially after a long winter. There are plenty of ways you can do this too, so keep reading for our tips on how to keep your dog healthy and active. 

‍

Schedule Regular Walks

The benefits of walking your dog include exercise, potty breaks, mental stimulation, and socialization. It’s also a chance for you to build a stronger bond and work on behavioral training techniques. But should you walk your dog every day? We can’t stress enough that, yes, it’s so important to be consistent with a walking routine because of the benefits above. 

Here are a few accessories that can make your dog walks even easier: 

• Frisco Silicone Collapsible Travel Set. This triple set comes with a bowl to feed your pup on the go, a dog poop bag dispenser, and leak-proof bags.
• CollarDirect Adjustable Reflective Nylon Dog Collar. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, this collar keeps your dog safe and comfortable! Plus, it’s reflective to keep you and your pup safe on evening strolls.
• Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Holder with Dog Poop Bags. Strong, durable, and leak-proof, this set prevents any accidents from happening on your walks. With 900 bags included, you’ll be prepared whenever you’re on the go.
• Lightvise Universal Super Bright LED Clamp-On Flashlight. Keep your pooch safe during evening walks with this flashlight that attaches to their leash, collar, or harness.

‍

Stay On Top of Nutrition

In the same way that the right food is important for us humans, dogs also require a nutritious and varied diet. The best type of dog food contains unprocessed meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. Without these dog food ingredients, your pup won’t be able to build and repair muscles, their teeth will become brittle, and bone density will reduce. The right dog products also provide an energy boost that better equips your dog to fight off infection and improve their overall health and wellness.

‍

Hydrate Regularly

It’s important to keep your pup hydrated, as water helps to regulate temperature and supports healthy digestion. The general recommendation is that your dog drinks at least one ounce of water for each pound of body weight each day, but be sure to check with your vet in the event that your pup has a unique health situation. The following accessories can help your pup to drink more water:

• PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Plastic Fountain. This free-falling water fountain encourages pets to drink more. A built-in spout and receiving ramp reduce splashback and noise.
• Frisco Wide Mouth Gravity Waterer. Available in either two-and-a-half gallons or four gallons, this waterer uses gravity to refill your pup’s water bowl when it’s empty. Plus, it helps you keep track of exactly how much water your dog is drinking daily!

‍

Explore New Trails, Parks & Beaches

Have you found yourself wondering: how many hours of exercise does a dog need? Most pups need around 30 minutes to two hours of daily exercise depending on their age, size, and condition. One of the easiest ways to mix up your walks is by exploring new trails, parks, and beaches. Both you and your pup will get to wander around new areas and meet new faces while enjoying exercise together. It’s also a great way for your dog to get to know different sounds, sights, and terrain, which is essential for their physical and mental development. 

Here’s a great choice of outdoor accessories to take with you on your adventures: 

• KONG Hiking Bag. This bag has space for everything you and your dog could need during your long walk, including a poop bag dispenser.
• Ruff 'N Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen. Available in two different sizes, this portable playpen keeps your pup safe when playing outdoors. It even comes with a food bowl. 
• Pop Up Dog Beach Tent. Stop for a break and make sure your pup is safe and comfy in this UV plus wind- and sand-resistant tent.

‍

Play in Water

If your dog likes to swim or splash around in water, let them, as it’s a great form of exercise. It’ll help them stay cool, improve their body condition, and increase physical performance — not to mention, it’s a fun way to let them play before bath time! If you have a backyard, check out our list of pools and water toys for your dog below:

• Pet Adobe Dog Swimming Pool & Bathtub. Suitable for pets up to 40 pounds in weight, this tub can be used for bathing or swimming and is super easy to set up.
• Peteast Anti-Slip Splash Pad. A fun backyard toy that comes in four different colors and various sizes, this sprinkler pad is made from plastic that’s 100% safe for your four-legged friends. It can keep your pup cool on warm afternoons and offers very exciting playtime.
• KOPEKS Outdoor Portable Rectangular Dog Swimming Pool. This portable pool, made from durable material, comes in three different sizes and can be used for playing and bathing.
• Frisco Outdoor Dog Swimming Pool. Designed for bigger pups, this pool doesn’t require any inflation. Unfold it and fill it with water to provide hours of fun.

‍

Play Games at Home

Ever thought to yourself: is my dog getting enough exercise? Fetch, hide and seek with their favorite toy, and tug of war with a rope are a few fun games that will keep your pup active at home. Games provide mental stimulation and help strengthen your bond with your dog. If you’re looking for a new toy to keep your dog active, try one of these:

• Chuckit! Sport Launcher Dog Toy. Throw up to three times further, without straining your arm. With a hands-free pickup, you also won’t need to worry about slobber.
• West Paw Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy. Hide a treat inside this toy and your pup has to figure out how to retrieve it. It’s a great combination of mental stimulation and fun!
• Outward Hound Tail Teaser with Refill Dog & Cat Teaser Toy. This wand toy is designed to tease your pup and provide a safe game of tug and war. Plus, it comes with a replacement toy!
• Starmark Easy Glide DuraFoam Flying Disc Dog Toy. Ideal for teaching your dog to catch, this flying disc is strong in design but soft on your dog’s teeth and gums. It comes in two different sizes, floats in water, and can be turned upside down and used as a water bowl.
• Petique Squeaky Hemp Dog Toy. Made from non-toxic hemp fibers, this soft toy includes a squeaker for fun. It’s also easy to clean in the washer when playtime is over.

‍

Schedule Regular Vet & Grooming Appointments

As a responsible pet parent, it’s important that you know how to give your dog the best life, which includes scheduling regular vet and grooming appointments. Vets know how to prevent potentially harmful conditions and provide effective treatment for dogs with health issues.

‍

Professional groomers, on the other hand, can facilitate this process by identifying the signs of a healthy dog and alerting you to any concerns that may need further checkups from your vet. The addition of regular pampering sessions is a great way to keep your pup in the best possible condition. Schedule a professional groom with Barkbus today to maintain your dog’s health and happiness!