“I’m a lot less cranky when it’s just me and my dog.” - Bob Peterson
Happy Monday! Here's the scoop:
These 15 cities will be the best ones for dogs in 2022
Meet today’s adventurous DOTD!
Doggie diets for your pup’s New Year’s resolutions
True or False...
Dogs can help their owners live longer.
(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
The 15 most dog-friendly cities
Thinking of making a move in 2022? Naturally, you’ll want to make sure that your home is a great fit for both your family and your pup.
Thankfully, this survey has taken the guesswork out of where to look. Based on the number of dog-friendly features – like fenced-in yards and close proximity to parks – plus the amount of new social media accounts created for dogs last year, these are the top 15 dog-friendly cities in the country:
Denver, CO
Orlando, FL
Anaheim, CA
Charlotte, NC
Birmingham, AL
Atlanta, GA
Boston, MA
Glendale, AZ
New Orleans, LA
Tampa, FL
Fayetteville, NC
Fort Worth, TX
Miami, FL
Nashville, TN
Saint Petersburg, FL
Dog of the Day
Meet today’s Dog of the Day: Bella!
Bella is a medical service animal for her mom and is trained to detect low blood sugars! In her spare time, this smart, sweet girl loves to go to the beach and kayak. Thank you to Daily Dig reader Deborah K. for submitting this perfect pic of Bella!
P.S. Want your pup to be featured in a future Daily Dig? Submit their pic to woof@dailydigdogs.com, DM us on Instagram, or reply to this email! Include their name and anything that makes them special (we know, we know, everything about them is special).
7 tips to help your dog lose weight this year
Every body is beautiful, especially the rolly polly one of a slightly chunky pup. However, keeping your dog in shape is a big part of helping them thrive.
Check out these 7 foolproof tips if helping your dog lose weight is one of your resolutions for the new year:
1. Cut calories
If you’re generous when it comes to giving your pooch table scraps or human food, you may want to cut back slightly. Portion out how much food you’re feeding your dog at mealtimes by using a measuring cup.
2. Protein over carbs
Some commercial dog food has fillers (read: empty calories). Consider switching to a low-carb, high-protein dog food, or making your own dog food. If you have the time to cook for your pup, it’s a great (and affordable!) way to keep an eye on what’s going into their tummy.
3. Add healthy fiber
Consider adding some naturally high-fiber nibbles to your dog’s food, such as small pieces of carrots or fresh apples. A spoonful of plain canned pumpkin is also a stomach soother for pups.
4. Keep the water bowl full
Just like us, dogs need to stay hydrated. Make sure to top off your dog’s bowl with fresh, clean water throughout the day.
5. Reward with fun, not food
Rather than rewarding your dog with treats, try rewarding good behavior with a new toy, a belly rub, or some quality play time.
6. Exercise
About 15 minutes of strenuous activity a day is healthy for dogs. Of course, your pup may need to work up to that amount. Start by extending your morning walks and picking up the pace when you’re outside.
7. Patience
Remember to go slow and steady, and don’t expect results overnight. Focus on making gradual changes to your dog’s routine, and pretty soon you’ll be looking at one healthy pup!
True or False…
Answer: TRUE! Not only do dog owners tend to live longer than non-dog owners, dog owners are also more likely to survive and recover from major health events, such as heart attack or stroke.
Interacting with dogs can boost your production of 'happy hormones' such as oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, according to the American Heart Association. This can lead to a greater sense of well-being and help lower levels of the stress hormones. Having a dog can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, ease depression and improve one’s overall fitness levels.
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