How do you keep your dog mentally healthy?

As a dog owner, you naturally want the best for your pet. So you feed your dog good food and take him for a nice walk. But did you know that you can also do all kinds of things to keep your dog's mind healthy? We will give you a few tips.

Welfare

2 July '25 1 min reading time

Exercise and proper nutrition are very important for a dog's health. But in addition to that, dogs also need mental stimulation. By this we mean: mental challenges and activities that engage their thinking abilities.

Toys, Puzzles, and Activities

To mentally challenge your dog and get them thinking, there are various tools available. Think of interactive toys and special dog puzzles. You can also use a lick mat or other objects with different textures for this purpose. By giving dogs activities that require them to think and solve problems, you help prevent boredom and keep them mentally stimulated. An alert and active dog is also a happier and more content dog.

Tapping into Instincts

Many of these ‘enrichment’ activities are linked to dogs' natural behaviors. For example: sniffing, licking, or digging. When dogs are able to express these natural behaviors, they tend to feel more satisfied. This improves your dog's well-being and often also boosts their self-confidence. It is important that dogs have the opportunity to show this natural behavior in order to prevent boredom, stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems. A bored dog may display destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture, excessive barking, digging where you don’t want them to, or even biting.

Adapting to Breed and Age

It’s important to know that the amount of mental stimulation a dog needs and can handle depends on their breed and age. A young dog, for example, can become mentally exhausted by too many new impressions. That’s why it’s important to dose mental challenges carefully. Different breeds also have different mental stimulation needs. Working dogs like sheepdogs, for instance, often enjoy having tasks to do and using their brains.

Supplements

If your dog has enough challenges in their environment but still shows signs of stress or anxiety, you can consider supporting your pet with special supplements. Herbs such as valerian, ginseng, lemon balm, chamomile, and hops can help your dog become less sensitive to stress. A mix of these herbs can also be helpful for dogs that are easily overstimulated. These herbs do not make your dog drowsy.

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Supplements for dogs come in various forms. There are powders, pills, capsules, and kibbles. But liquid dog supplements are also available, in this blog we explain why this is preferred.

The benefits of a liquid dog supplement

Supplements for dogs come in various forms. There are powders, pills, capsules, and kibbles. But liquid dog supplements are also available, in this blog we explain why this is preferred.. No fillers needed The advantage of liquid supplements is that you do not need to fill it with fillers to make it into a kibble, powder, or pill. The liquid supplement can consist entirely of substances that have an effect on the dog. This allows you to use high concentrations of herbs and therefore a low dosage per day for the dog. Easy application A liquid dog supplement is ideal in application. It can be added to or mixed into all types of food. This way you do not risk the product getting los...

Cannabinoids

Clove

Stress

Giving cloves to your dog might sound a bit strange. But it's actually quite logical. The clove plant produces strong cannabinoids. These substances help to keep your dog healthy, for example in case of joint problems. Cloves are therefore a good choice instead of CBD oil from cannabis.

Clove for dogs, what does that do?

Giving cloves to your dog might sound a bit strange. But it's actually quite logical. The clove plant produces strong cannabinoids. These substances help to keep your dog healthy, for example in case of joint problems. Cloves are therefore a good choice instead of CBD oil from cannabis.. Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS was discovered about thirty years ago and consists of a system of receptors that exchange signal substances. This way, signals about the health and balance of the body are delivered to the right places. In short, the ECS monitors the physical and mental balance of an animal (or human) and ensures a good resistance to illness and external influences. A very important system, therefore, that influences a wide range of physical and mental co...

Feeding

Salmon oil

Dogs can sometimes struggle with eating, especially when medication/supplements are added to their food. Sometimes medication or supplements are necessary, and it's nice if they can be eaten well by the dog without much coercion and effort. If your dog sometimes struggles with this, try salmon oil! A healthy flavor enhancer for your dog's food!

Salmon oil for dogs: a healthy flavor enhancer!

Dogs can sometimes struggle with eating, especially when medication/supplements are added to their food. Sometimes medication or supplements are necessary, and it's nice if they can be eaten well by the dog without much coercion and effort. If your dog sometimes struggles with this, try salmon oil! A healthy flavor enhancer for your dog's food!. Very tasty for dogs Almost all dogs love the taste of salmon oil. If your dog is a picky eater or you want to mask the taste/smell of medication/supplements, then salmon oil is really ideal! Whether your dog eats fresh meat, kibble, or wet food, salmon oil can be applied to all types of food. Salmon oil really stimulates the appetite of dogs, even those who are picky and difficult eaters! First mix the medication/supplements with the food and top it off with a dash of salmon oil. Most dogs will...

Questions? AskHELTIE!

Are you looking for advice about your dog or horse? Or do you want to know more about conditions or ingredients? Feel free to contact AskHELTIE, and we will be happy to assist you! .