Dogs and Suds

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” ~ Rodger Caras

Ask any dog owner about their dog and their face lights up almost immediately. Why? Because having a dog creates a bond like no other, they love you unconditionally, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find another companion as happy to see you after a day away from home, then your furry friend. If that wasn’t reason enough, according to the American Heart Association, owning a dog may even protect you from heart disease and other illnesses and can even boost your immune system.

People at a brewery with a puppy

There’s no denying the changes the world continues to face when it comes to the Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic. Everything from the way we work, dine, socialize, spend time together, do business, and learn has drastically changed. If there’s a silver lining in all of these experiences it’s in the way individuals, families, friends, and businesses have adapted to the changes, and even thrive. If you’re a dog owner you’ve probably been spending a lot of time together both outdoors and indoors and that’s a good thing! Even just interacting with your dog—something as simple as petting them—can reduce stress hormone levels for both of you, which is just the thing the doctor ordered right now! So it’s no surprise the benefits of owning a dog can bring, but what can you do to repay their loyalty, kindness, and love? Give them a day to remember! Here are some things to consider if you’re looking for ways to show your pooch you love them, according to thebark.com.

  1. Turn up the dial on the exercise meter. Dogs adore activity — hence, the crazy exuberance most display at the very whisper of a walk. Taking your dog on an extra-long hike, joining you on a run, or taking a few short outings in addition to those daily walks will be well received. Look for a place your dog can enjoy a safe off-leash run like a dog park, which will make the experience even more enjoyable for him.
  2. Fight boredom. Give your dog more mental exercise with mind-engaging activities such as enrichment puzzles, new toys, visits to new places, and learning new skills and tricks.
  3. Give them a hand. Most dogs learn visual signals faster than verbal ones. When training, communicate more clearly by using hand signals along with words. Your dog will heave a figurative sigh of relief at finally being able to understand you.
  4. Rub them the right way. Most dogs, like most people, adore a good massage. It not only promotes relaxation, healing and bonding, it feels sooooo good.
  5. Stop and smell the world. Dogs need to be dogs, and that means allowing them time to explore the world’s wonderful odors. Or, engage them in scent work. Using their noses comes naturally, so tracking or playing scent games is fun for dogs.
  6. Free them from fashion. Consider removing your dog’s collar at night. Dogs will probably enjoy the freedom just as much as we do when we take off our belts, watches or earrings. Plus, the noise of jingling tags bothers many dogs; to reduce it, tape the tags together or stow them in a pouch designed for that purpose.
  7. Feed them well. While the debate about canine nutrition rages, most people agree that a variety of food, especially if it’s healthy and fresh, has many advantages. Carefully consider what you feed your dog, do some research and ask your veterinarian for help in making good choices.
  8. Keep them tidy. Good grooming is essential; dogs are most comfortable when their coats are orderly and free of any mats that tug uncomfortably at their skin. Abolishing tangles helps them eliminate more easily — I’ve seen dogs whose hindquarters were so full of mats that this was an issue! — and short toenails allow for easier movement comfortably. And no matter how darling your dog may look with fur hanging over the eyes, or how popular that style is for the breed, a haircut that allows for unobstructed vision is a better (and safer) choice.
  9. Play it up. Make play dates for your dog with other nice, well-socialized pups. Most dogs love to play with other dogs, and their exhilaration is palpable as they frolic together. (Does your dog have a BFF? Also, add more play to your own interactions with your dog.
  10. Sharpen your focus. Dogs value the time we spend focused completely on them, and that’s easiest to do without anyone else present. This quality time is especially valuable and important in multi-dog households. Improving your dog’s quality of life is a gift that keeps on giving: the more wonderful we make life for our dogs, the more ways they enhance our own.

Head to MoMac!
After a day of playing with your dog treat yourself to beer, friends, fun, and fido! Yep, bring your furry friend with! Whether you are hanging in our tasting room, trying one of our brews at a local restaurant, or ordering a keg, our mission is the same: to serve you great beer and a great time. It’s more than beer for us; MoMac is a place for the whole neighborhood to have fun. That’s why we’ve got a huge bar, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, a private party area, weekend shows by killer musicians, and good eats. Visit us online today, find us on Facebook or Twitter. Check out our upcoming events and get ready for some FUN!

Sources:
rightasrain.uwmedicine.org

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