Spoiling Your Dog: Vet Approved Ways to Go All Out

Written by Pet Wellness Clinics. Medically reviewed by Dinaz Lahewala, DVM, Pet Wellness Clinics.

There are a lot of ways to show a dog you love them, and no two dog owners do it exactly alike. Some people go big on toys. Some plan their weekends around the trail. Some just want the very best for their companion who naps at their feet.

Whatever spoiling looks like in your home, here is the good news from our team at Pet Wellness Clinics: most of the ways people love on their dogs are genuinely good for them! A few are not. Here is how to go all out in the ways that count and safe for your pet.

Spoil Their Nose First

Dogs experience the world through smell the way we experience it through sight. A walk where they get to sniff everything is not a slow walk. It is one rich in experience and provides stimulation and exercise for the brain.

Easy ways to spoil the nose:

• Let them choose the route on at least one walk a week and let them follow wherever the nose goes (safely on leash is recommended).
• Take a new route entirely. A different neighborhood is a whole new adventure to a dog thanks to new and different scents.
• Hide a few treats around a room and let them seek them out or hunt.
• Try a snuffle mat or roll treats into an old towel for a five-minute puzzle while they smell it and problem solve.
• Bring home a "smell souvenir" like a pinecone or a stick from somewhere new.
• Rent a private space for a worry-free adventure. If your dog is anxious or reactive, apps like Sniffspot let you book a fenced yard where they can explore off-leash without other dogs around.

This kind of enrichment tires dogs out more than a fast walk does, which is why so many people report a suspiciously peaceful evening after a sniffari (sniffing walk). Want more ways to keep them moving? See our exercise tips for Indiana dogs.

Spoil the Bowl (Without Overdoing It)

Food is the most tempting way to spoil a dog and the easiest one to take too far. The rule our veterinary team uses is the ten percent rule: treats, toppers, and table extras should stay under ten percent of their total daily calories.

Ways to make food feel like a celebration:

• Use a lick mat with a thin layer of plain yogurt or pumpkin puree.
• Freeze low sodium broth in a silicone mold to make pupsicles for a hot afternoon.
• Serve dinner in a puzzle feeder instead of a bowl so the meal becomes a game or challenge.
• Offer green beans, carrots, blueberries, or apple slices without seeds as low-calorie extras.
• Save one high value treat exclusively for training so it stays exciting and motivating.

Keep off the menu: grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, chocolate, artificial sugar additives like xylitol (check peanut butter labels carefully), cooked bones, and anything heavily seasoned. For a fuller rundown of what to watch for, see our guide to common pet poisons. If your dog gets into any of these, call your clinic or the ASPCA Poison hotline right away at 888-426-4435.

Spoil the Body

The dogs who get to be the most spoiled are the ones who feel good enough to enjoy it. Comfort is the foundation.

• Upgrade the bed. Orthopedic beds are not just for seniors. Large breed dogs and hard-working joints benefit early from beds with additional support and padding.
• Trim their nails before they start to “click” on the floor. Long nails change how a dog stands and walks and can make them uncomfortable especially on walks.
• Brush their teeth. Two minutes a few times a week does more for long term comfort than almost anything else on this list.
• Keep parasite prevention going year-round. Indiana winters are not reliable enough to take even the winter season off.
• Protective their paws in winter. Booties prevent exposure to cold and salt irritation on walks.

Spoil the Brain

A bored dog invents a hobby, and it is usually becomes damaging your baseboard or chewing on your shoe.

• Teach one silly trick a month. Spin, touch, “high-five” or "go find your toy" all count.
• Rotate toys instead of leaving them all out. Three toys in circulation stay more interesting than twelve on the floor. Rotate new ones in to add novelty.
• Try a sport. Scent work, agility, and rally are all beginner friendly and available around Indianapolis.
• Practice five minutes of training before dinner. Dogs love having a job with a clear payoff.

Spoil the Calendar

The best gift most dogs receive is time with their person.

• Plan a "dog day": a trail, a patio that welcomes dogs, and a nap in the sun
• Take a weekend trip somewhere with water or trails. Indiana state parks are excellent for this
• Book a grooming appointment before summer heat sets in
• Schedule a photo session. Your future self will thank you
• Keep the wellness exam on the calendar. Early detection is the single most valuable thing you can give a dog who you plan to spoil for many years

The Kind of Spoiling That Pays You Back

Spoiling your dog is easier when you know their care is covered. That is exactly what Pet Prime is built for: unlimited exams, vaccinations, and year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention in one monthly plan, so visits are covered and you can focus on the fun part.

Think of it this way. The treats and toys are the dessert. Preventive care is the reason your dog is around to enjoy “dessert” for as long as possible.

Ready to Spoil Them Properly?

Our veterinary team is happy to talk through the right treats, the right activity level, and the right care tailored to your dog. Every dog spoils differently.

Call us at 317-516-5921 or book online at petwellnessclinics.com/appointment.

Serving Greater Indianapolis since 2005.