You’d be hard pressed to find anyone around these days who doesn’t have a very spoiled and beloved doggy in their home. Dogs are just so good, you know? 

While we’re all dog lovers, our approaches to having an animal can be decidedly different. There are those of us who treat our puppers like family members, giving them every luxury, putting their needs and care above even our own, and sparing no expense for the best food, vet care, and more. Then of course, there are those who have a more hands off approach with their pets, loving them no less of course, but taking a more casual approach to pet ownership. 

No matter what your pet-parenting style is, these are three areas in which you should always “splurge”, to provide your pet (and yourself) with the best life possible:

Grooming:

This is especially true for dogs who have dense, heavy coats or special needs in terms of washing/cutting. Too many people neglect their dog’s coat, which can lead to health problems, bad hygiene, and more. A groomer is more than just a stylist for your pet. They also treat the dog’s skin, cut their nails, express glands, and so much more. 

And if you’re worried about cost, groomers are surprisingly inexpensive. You can find deals on sites like Groupon, subscribe to pet store services to get a discount, and even find independent contractors who will come to your home to groom your pet if you’re unable to get out or have an anxious dog. All of this is much more affordable than you think. 

Grooming your dog is the responsible, economical, and hygienic thing to do, especially in the summer. Prevent matted fur, fleas, and shedding all over your house by hiring an affordable groomer to pamper your pup. 

Obedience Training:

If you have a puppy or even an older dog that just can’t seem to behave, don’t snap. Dog owners who employ aggressive and/or violent discipline methods end up having anxious dogs who misbehave even more, or worse, violent dogs who end up being put down. By employing someone who will use aggressive dog training, you’ll ensure that your dog unlearns bad behaviors and learns good ones. Dog training courses are reasonably affordable and don’t take very long. Your dog will be home, behaving like a gentleman (or woman) in no time. 

Good Food:

We’re all guilty of grabbing a quick and cheap bag of that knock-off two-dollar-a-bag dog food once or twice when we’re pressed for time or are super broke. It happens. 

But generally speaking, spending the extra cash to buy your dog a healthy, nutritious brand of food will make a huge difference in their quality of life. Many dogs have dietary needs just like humans; whether they need something grain free, dairy free, non-allergenic, or need to avoid one or two specific ingredients. The stuff that you buy at the store is often full of corn, salt, and other fillers that can make your dog at the least, overweight and sluggish; at its worst, can seriously harm your dog. The same goes for dog treats. It’s a good idea to visit your vet to determine the dietary needs of your dog and what brands are recommended. For example, this Aussie company is great if your dog has allergies. Allergies can make your dog sick, lose weight, or even lose their appetite altogether, so if this is something your dog is struggling with, it might be time to check for allergies. Tailoring the food to your dog’s dietary needs is vital in ensuring your pup remains happy and healthy.

Purchasing high-quality dog food is worth the extra expense. Sites like Chewy and other great in-person pet stores have excellent, nutritious dog food for a wide variety of needs that won’t break the bank. Doesn’t your dog deserve it? 

Don’t make life “ruff” for your dog if you don’t have to. By spending a little extra on these three goods/services, your pup will be happy, healthy, and provide you with years of companionship. You and your best friend will be happier than ever. 

Featured Image By: Kat Jayne