Apartment Living With Your PupJust because you and your dog share a small space, doesn’t mean you’ll be locked up for life. In today’s article, we’ll share five tips for keeping your dog healthy even in close quarters.
1. Keep the Pests Away from Your Pup
Unfortunately, living in an apartment building can make both you and your pup more susceptible to picking up unwanted guests. Common areas and shared spaces such as the elevator tend to accumulate pests like fleas and bedbugs so it’s important that your pet is protected at all times.Even if your complex sprays routinely for pests, you may still find unwanted critters in the area so it’s best to just keep your buddy protected from the start. If you spot any fleas on your pup, you’ll want to soak them in a comforting flea bath before the problem gets worse and spreads. You should also keep an eye out for ticks during season since they love to hide underneath your dog’s hair, especially in dog-friendly communities.
2. Be Prepared to Increase Your Activity Levels
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but apartment-dwelling pups actually need more playtime outside than their big-house friends.This means you’ll need to increase your activity levels for both your and your dog’s sanity and health. Regularly going for a walk (at least 20 minutes or more) every few hours is a must.
3. Choose Your Breed Wisely
Before you choose your forever-friend at the shelter, do your homework to find out which breeds tend to do well in apartments. You certainly don’t want a high-energy dog like a border collie cooped up in an apartment.Noisier breeds—such as terriers and beagles—can also be a problem for neighbors who share a wall with you so it’s best to avoid these loud breeds as well.Apartment-dwelling dogs tend to be smaller and friendlier breeds who don’t mind being around lots of people.
4. Keep New Toys on Hand
Another way to keep your city-dwelling pup happy is to have new toys on hand as much as you can. Now, these don’t have to be expensive, rather, the point is to stimulate them mentally so they don’t notice they’re confined to a small space.By having fresh toys available, you’ll keep them healthy physically. Plus, it’s always exciting for a dog to receive a new toy, which is a treat for you to see their reaction!Try to choose toys that not only engage your four-legged friend, but also include you! This time spent bonding together over toys will set you up for lots of cuddles later.
5. Find Dog-Friendly Neighborhoods
Lastly, it’s important to choose a dog-friendly neighborhood. If possible, make sure your neighborhood accepts pets and has pet-designated trails or parks within the community.You may find these amenities right in your neighborhood or in the surrounding areas so you’ll want to check them out and explore them as much as possible.Even if your community doesn’t have a designated area, a local park or community center may have one instead. Spend a little time on Google search to see what’s around. If you find an off-leash, fenced-in dog park, your dog can make friends and socialize so he doesn’t feel so alone all those hours you’re gone. Trust us, your dog will thank you for this extra effort in the form of good behavior and lots of tail wags.Living in an apartment shouldn’t deter you from adopting a forever-friend. By keeping these tips in mind, everyone will be happy and healthy, no matter how big or small your home may be.
Apartment Living With Your Pup Just because you and your dog share a small space, doesn’t mean you’ll be locked up for life. In today’s article, we’ll share five tips for keeping your dog healthy even in close quarters.
