
What vitamin is good for dogs' skin
Seeing your dog constantly scratch or noticing dry, flaky skin can make you wonder if a simple vitamin might be the solution.
Ever watch your dog stare at the wall like it’s hiding a secret? That’s boredom talking—and it doesn’t just lead to chewed slippers. A mind that’s not busy can turn into stress, restlessness, even anxiety. The good news? Mental games don’t need fancy gear or big yards—just a little creativity and the joy of watching your pup’s tail go wild when they “solve” something.
Start with the classics: hiding treats around the house. Toss a few kibbles under the couch cushion, behind a chair leg, or inside a crumpled-up paper towel. Watch their nose twitch into action, paws nudging and nosing until they strike gold. It’s not just fun—this taps into their wild side, the part that’s hardwired to forage. Even 5 minutes of this can leave them panting (the happy kind) and ready for a nap.
Puzzle toys are another winner, but skip the ones that feel like work. Look for rubber balls with holes to stuff peanut butter into, or fabric mats with little pockets to tuck treats into. The best part? They’re perfect for those rainy days when walks get cut short, or when you’re stuck in a Zoom meeting and need to keep them occupied. Just make sure to supervise—no one wants a chewed-up puzzle piece becoming a snack.
Scent work takes it up a notch. Grab an old sock, drop a favorite toy inside, and hide it behind the bedroom door. Then say, “Find it!” in that excited voice they know means adventure. Dogs live in a world of smells, and this game lets them use their superpower. You can even step it up: hide their leash before a walk, or tuck a piece of cheese in a plant pot (just avoid toxic ones, like lilies—safety first, always).
Obedience with a twist works wonders too. Instead of the usual “sit,” try “spin” or “touch my hand” with a treat as a reward. Mixing in new commands keeps their brain firing—they’ll tilt their head like, “Wait, that’s not the usual drill,” then light up when they get it right. It strengthens your bond, too—those moments of eye contact when they “get it” feel like a high-five, no hands needed.
Remember, mental exercise counts just as much as physical—vets often say 15 minutes of brain work equals 30 minutes of running. That’s a game-changer for apartment pups or older dogs who can’t sprint like they used to. Plus, a tired mind means a calmer dog—less barking at the mailman, fewer midnight zoomies when you’re trying to sleep.
Always keep it positive. Yelling or forcing them to “try again” kills the fun, and let’s be real—local guidelines (and common sense) say training should feel like play, not punishment. If they get frustrated, take a break, toss a ball for 2 minutes, then come back. The goal is to make their tail wag, not their ears droop.
Most of all, these games are about connection. That look of pride when they solve a puzzle? The way they nudge your hand for “one more round”? It’s proof that keeping their mind busy keeps their heart happy, too. And isn’t that what being a dog parent is all about?
Seeing your dog constantly scratch or noticing dry, flaky skin can make you wonder if a simple vitamin might be the solution.
If you’re a new dog parent in the US—maybe you’re sitting on your Portland apartment couch, staring at your 1-year-old Australian Shepherd
If you’re a new dog parent in the US—maybe you’re sitting on your Atlanta apartment floor, holding your 6-week-old Beagle puppy, Daisy, who’s curled up in your lap
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Seeing your puppy grow daily is amazing, and it’s natural to want to give them every advantage, including supplements.
Brown stains on white dog fur aren’t just unsightly—they can also hint at underlying issues like tear duct irritation or poor grooming habits, which matter even more when you’re following local pet care laws.