Our dog is one of our favorite friends and family. Definitely more loved than some in-laws!

When we talk about our dogs’ overall well-being, we usually talk extensively about their happiness and health, like telling people they’re eating, playing, pooping, and sleeping (which, honestly, sounds like a life goal for some).

But what exactly is the definition of happiness, and how do we assess and measure it? Happiness is not just the absence of disease, but an independent, positive state. It is often described as a multidimensional picture that includes physical, psychological, social, cultural, psychological and intellectual elements. Measuring these can be a bit challenging because some of them are subjective.

Why it’s important to study dog health

Understanding the health of our dogs is an important part of being a responsible and caring pet parent and has received more and more media attention and research over the past few years. In humans, quality of life is usually assessed by self-reporting, but unfortunately this is not an option for dogs. We can’t wait for the day they tell us about it themselves! For now, though, our dog’s happiness is largely perceived by us and can be quite subjective.

The current lack of adequate definitions of quality of life and well-being also hinders the measurement of dogs’ quality of life. Hundreds of publications have evaluated terms quality of life or well-being in their abstracts, but few have defined them explicitly.

On the plus side, over the past few decades, we’ve learned a great deal about animal behavior, cognition, and emotional states, which has helped us adjust what is considered “acceptable” or “good” animal welfare. Some studies even promote the notion that animals can be “happy”, although of course we already know this whenever we stroke their belly and ask “Who is a good dog?” 

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Five needs

‍A new recently practice-based program monitors changes in the quality of pets by assessing five needs and identifying improvements that owners can implement. The five needs are: diet, environment, behavior, companionship, and health. This attempts to establish a link between health and four other contributing factors. Think of it as a puppy version of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Most importantly, this novel approach makes it clear that quality of life is not limited to health conditions or specific medical conditions, but is a sum of all these factors.

Tips to know and improve your dog’s well-being.

Based on these five needs, we’ve listed what you can do right now to understand and improve your dog’s health:

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Improve their nutrition

When you think about your dog’s health and well-being, delicious and fiber-rich fresh food along with quality nutrients should be a top priority. Stay offers customized meal plans designed to meet your dog’s needs based on your dog’s unique gut microbiome. This supports their gut health, overall health, and well-being. Stay’s precision feeding guidelines should be combined with seasonal poop testing and monitor your dog’s weight, energy, and nutritional needs, as not every dog should always eat the same diet!

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Pay attention to their behavior

Stress can manifest as fear, anxiety, anger, boredom, loneliness, and even self-harm. If you notice any of them, it’s time to act. Loving a dog for 15 minutes is associated with a positive state of relaxation. After all, what’s the point of having a dog if you don’t pet them? Happiness and a good mood contribute to good behavior, overall health, and longevity.

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Be a good companion

As a pet parent, you may have asked yourself, “How much exercise does my dog really need?” It is recommended to have at least 30 minutes a day, although this may change depending on your dog’s breed, personal personality, overall health, and age. Establish a daily active routine for your dog, which includes plenty of playtime, not only to keep them healthy, but also to encourage better socialization, bonding, and well-being. Spending quality time together not only strengthens your relationship, but also helps reduce disruptive behaviors such as excessive chewing or uncontrolled barking.

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Give them a safe environment

Make sure they have a clean, safe and quiet place to live and that they should always have access to clean drinking water.

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Keep them healthy

Your dog’s health is a key criterion for their happiness. Illnesses and physical disabilities, such as pain, discomfort, itching and immobility, can significantly reduce their quality of life and well-being. Gut health has a huge impact on boosting their immune system and overall health, so keeping them healthy really starts with eating fresh, nutritious foods that will improve their gut microbiome. Make sure you have a veterinarian you trust. Proper veterinary care is essential to ensure your dog stays healthy and avoids minimal discomfort.