Active Dog Month and Doggie Oasis Day Care
After we set the clocks forward in the springtime and enjoy more daylight hours, it’s essential to spend time outside, enjoy the weather, and move around. That’s why we celebrate Active Dog Month in April – the perfect time to be active with your best friend!
Though, with some pet parents’ busy schedules, finding time to be outside with their dogs and exercise them can prove tricky. Luckily, there are plenty of doggy daycares around town to help keep them active!
Among them is Doggie Oasis Day Care & Boarding, a local daycare center for dogs that opened in 2002 by Lake Sahara. Manager of Doggie Oasis, Kristin Krueger, shared what Active Dog Month means to her and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the business.
Why Active Dog Month Is Important
Keeping your dogs active and socialized is essential for their overall health and well-being. That’s why Active Dog Month works to raise awareness about keeping dogs active. And as a dog lover raising five dogs with her partner, Krueger shared that Active Dog Month is a big part of her life.
“We try to take our dogs out as much as possible [to places] such as parks, the lake, and especially to daycare! Socialization is a big part of a dog’s life, and I am lucky to be a part of such a great work environment,” she said. “I believe everyone should introduce their dogs to the outdoor environment and different aspects of life to provide enrichment along with lifelong memories. I also enjoy getting the dogs out before it starts to get too hot outside because we all know how Vegas summers go.”
Though Doggie Oasis doesn’t actively celebrate dog month, Krueger explains that they have other celebrations at the daycare.
“In the past, we have offered specials on our Duck walks or packages. We do celebrate dog of the month every month of the year where we take the most improved dog and offer a free daycare and Instagram post!”
The Pandemic’s Impacts on Doggie Oasis Day Care
Throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 impacted and continues to impact businesses in profound ways. According to Krueger, Doggie Oasis was greatly affected by the situation, even after reopening. In particular, with more pet parents working from home and spending more time with their pets, fewer dogs needed daycare.
“When we first opened back up after quarantine two months after closing, we saw a decline in customers, which did, unfortunately, make us lose a few employees,” she said. “But we have just started to pick back up after the mask mandate lift.”
Eventually, the daycare saw business start to pick up again. “We have seen an increase in business and I think it’s due to quarantine puppies that now have to come because of parents going back to work!” Krueger said. “But we love seeing it, and business is once again starting to flourish.”
#GetinMotion with Doggie Oasis Day Care
Although Doggie Oasis offers no events or activities specifically for Active Dog Month, it still dedicates itself to keeping dogs active every day.
“I think once we are back at full capacity we are more than willing to participate,” Krueger said. “I do have a few ideas myself such as fostering and shelter events. Doggie Oasis used to work with a rescue program and I hope to do it again soon.”
Please show your love and support for this wonderful doggy daycare center. Make a reservation for your four-legged friend through their website! And follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
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Reasons To Celebrate Active Dog Month
As a dog owner, it’s crucial to always keep your dog healthy and active. The last thing we want for them is to be out of shape. So whether taking them out for a walk, playing fetch, or even hiking, it’s essential to exercise them daily. Not to mention, exercise helps combat and reduce any anxiety your dog might experience. You should also celebrate active dog month because of that special bond with your dog and the quality time you’ll enjoy together. Like our friends and family members, it can be challenging to find time for them. We all have busy lives, but even if it’s just for 5 minutes, it counts, and it’s worth it to spend that with your pups.
Helping Your Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from obesity as well. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of dogs in 2017 were overweight or obese. The percentage with cats is even higher, showing 60% to be overweight or obese. Getting the proper amount of exercise for your dog can also help sharpen their mind and reduce the risk of other diseases and health issues.
Another way to help your dog live a long and healthier life is by watching their diet. Just like humans, a healthy diet is essential and helps us feel better, look better, and keep energized.
For protein, try feeding your dog foods like chicken, turkey, fish (salmon is said to be especially good for dogs), eggs, cheese, and yogurt. Fruits are high in sugar and should be fed to your dog in moderation. These include bananas, blueberries, and apples. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and green peas are fine too. Corn, quinoa, rice, and oatmeal are great choices to get those grains in. Though, if your dog has an allergy, grains are sometimes the culprit, so keep an eye out for any itching or other issues you notice after any change in your dog’s food.
Lastly, to keep your dog healthy and active, consider doing the following:
- Go on a 30-minute walk 3-5 times a week. (This will help keep you healthy too!)
- Make sure they are getting proper nutrition.
- Bring them to regular vet checkups.
- Groom your dog regularly and properly.
Getting Fit With Your Furry Friend
The great thing about Active Dog Month is that it not only helps increase your dog’s health; it helps improve yours too! Exercising, jogging, and going for walks benefit overall health. And staying active with your dog is also a great way to improve your relationship with them. Your pup enjoys every minute they spend with you, and exercising and playing strengthens your bond.
Even if you cannot go outside, you can still be active indoors. Teaching your dog a new trick or building an obstacle course around the house works great. We all know that our beloved pets cannot live forever, but we can help them live better and healthier while they’re still here. So take the time today to get active with your dog. Remember to be safe and have fun!
