A vet says there is one simple and free thing pet owners can do to improve their dog's quality of life. She has spoken out against dog owners who claim they are "too busy" to spend time with their pet pooches and make sure they are happy and healthy, WalesOnline reports.
In a Reddit post, she said owners can improve their dog's life without spending a penny, adding: "I'd like to see people focus not just on quantity but quality of their pet's life.
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"The best thing you can do for that is just incorporate them into your life as much as possible. Pay attention to them. Love them. Lots of walks. Lots of games. You'd be surprised what they can learn.
"Play hide and seek. Play fetch. Sit beside them when you watch TV, pet them. Train and socialise them early and well so you won't avoid them because they're not well behaved."
She said dogs prefer interacting with their beloved owners through play than just being given a toy to chew or a ball to chase. "We're all so busy, it's so easy to make them an afterthought," she said.
"You are their whole world and unless you live on a big farm where they run free, you are their only outlet for activity and happiness. They get bored fast, just like we do. They can't wait for you to get home. They've missed you! Take them for a walk. Do a fun training or agility class with them if you'd like."
She recommends owners exercise their pets, keep an eye on what they're eating and drinking and regularly brush their teeth.
