Yahoo Lifestyle Celebrate International Dog Day With Our Favorite Ever Spa Day Wellness Products
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Pamper your pup from snout to butt
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From ear cleaning to nail trims, finding the time to give your dog a grooming session at-home can be difficult during a busy week, but everyone, including you and your dog, deserves a moment of self-care today. By focusing on one area of your dog at a time—ears, paws, teeth, coat—you'll lessen the burden associated with grooming while streamlining your mutual wellness routine.
While we imagine a dog's version of self-care is less about personal hygiene and more focused on a heaping serving of their favorite food, belly rubs, and nap (which also happens to be their daily to-do list), our canine companions aren't aware that today, August 26, 2023, is International Dog Day. Therefore, it's up to us—their trusted human guardians—to give each dog a special self-care inspired treatment catered to their needs.
International Dog Day, also referred to as National Dog Day, started in 2004 and is dedicated to dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages and breeds. It's an annual day dedicated to advocating for and spreading awareness about the needs of dogs around the world. In addition to devoting extra attention to at least one feature to all the wonderful dogs in your life, today is a great day to donate to a local shelter, or consider adopting a doggo of your own if you are ready. You can also help animals impacted by the wildfire in Maui by donating to the Maui Humane Society.
Dogs do require lots of love and attention (same goes for me), but finding the right tools and products makes it easier to care for their needs.
Best for Floppy Ears: Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats
If your dog's ears hang low, they probably need help keeping their floppy ears clear of buildup that can harbor bacteria leading to ear aches and infections. Our favorite ear cleaning solution for dogs is Virbac Epi-Optic Ear Cleanser because it's effective, gentle, and easy to administer. The neutral pH liquid solution clears excess wax and debris without drying out or irritating the ear canal. Virbac is also recommended for use with dogs who swim to flush out any water that is stuck inside their ears.
Price at time of publish: $15 (4 ounces)
Key Ingredients: Water, ethoxydiglycol, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, disodium EDTA, docusate sodium, triethanolamine, phenoxyethanol, chloreoxylenol, salicylic acid, fragrance, D-galactose, D-mannose, L-rhamnose, and FD&C Blue #1. | Volume: 4 and 8 ounces
Best for Paws: Safari Professional Nail Trimmer
Keeping your dog's nails trim can prevent potential health complications, like infections from overgrown nails, and it alleviates any discomfort they might have from walking on long nails. Our favorite tested tool for dog manicures on paws of all sizes are the Safari Professional Nail Trimmers.
These sturdy clippers have a non-slip grip and come in two sizes, small/medium and medium/large. The sharp double blades meet in the middle providing a clean cut on nails. Plus, a safety stop guide near the blades is designed to help you avoid cutting into the quick where sensitive nerves are found within the nail.
Price at time of publish: $15 (small/medium)
Style: Plier | Sizes: Small/medium, medium/large | Life Stage: All | Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.6 inches (small/medium); 6.3 x 3.8 inches (medium/large) | Blade Type: Angled
Best for Coat: Zesty Paws Core Elements Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats
Adding a serving of omega-3 fatty acids to your dog's diet can improve the condition of their coat, especially if it's looking a little dull and/or if their skin has been looking a little dry. Our favorite fish oil supplement, Zesty Paws Core Elements Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, is a great source of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids.
The liquid supplement is sourced from wild-caught Alaskan salmon and comes three bottle sizes, 8, 16, and 32 ounces. It's easy to add to your dog's food, and some dogs find the nutritional dose appetizing on its own.
Price at time of publish: $18 (8 ounces)
Delivery Method: Liquid | Calories: 40 per teaspoon | DHA: 425 mg | EPA: 340 mg
Best for Teeth: Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Fr3sh Tartar Control Dog Chews
One of the easiest ways to care for your dog's teeth is to give then a dental chew treat. Our favorite is the Virbac C.E.T VeggieDent Fr3sh Tarter Control Dog Chews which have a unique Z-shape so they are easier for dogs to grip as the chew, removing buildup from their teeth. They are made without any animal-based ingredients, but flavored to appeal to a dog's palette. They are also gentle on the digestive system and are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for proven reduction of plaque and tarter.
Price at time of publish: $35 (pack of 30, medium dog)
Treat Sizes Available: Extra-small, small, medium, large | Main Ingredients: Corn starch, glycerin, soy protein isolate, rice flour | Calories: 75 calories per medium chew | Nutrition: 17% min protein, 0.4% min fat, 2% max crude fiber, 15% max moisture
Read Next: The 17 Best Dog Toys of 2023
Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.
