Filling up your dog's food bowl is one of the main ways you keep them happy and healthy. A wholesome diet is a must but it’s not the only part of a balanced wellness routine.
Think of it like this: your dog’s daily habits add up—just like yours do. The good news? Supporting your dog’s wellness can be easy and even fun.
Let’s dive into 3 simple, feel-good habits that go beyond the bowl.
In This Post, You’ll Learn:
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Why whole-dog wellness is more than just their diet
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How sniffing supports mental and emotional health
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Simple grooming and hygiene habits that make a difference
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How soft chew supplements can make targeted wellness feel easy
Why Whole-Dog Wellness Matters
→ Happy, healthy dogs don’t just eat well—they live well.
Dogs are complex, sensitive creatures who thrive on a well-rounded lifestyle and human connection. It’s no wonder your pup eagerly waits at the door for your arrival.
If you want to be the pawrent who helps them feel more balanced, comfortable, and at ease in their bodies, research supports that daily routines that cover physical, emotional, and social needs are key.[1]
Imagine it as whole-dog wellness. It doesn’t require an entirely new routine—just a few daily moments of intention that go beyond what’s in the bowl.
1. Let Them Sniff the World
→ Fresh air and social connection = mood boosters
Your dog’s world is ruled by their nose, so every walk is a chance to explore, decompress, and connect.
Sniffing isn’t just another one of your dog’s quirky obsessions; it’s an instinct they rely on to feel comfortable in their environment.[2] In addition, smelling new places, spaces, people, or other dogs has other powerful nervous system benefits.
Here’s what the research has to say about your dog’s sense of smell:[2,3]
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Releases serotonin for a mood boost
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Lowers cortisol levels for balanced emotions
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Keeps their mind engaged for increased mental sharpness
Even brief greetings or people-watching build social confidence. During a walk, set aside 10 minutes and let your dog set the pace—they know what feels and smells good.
Another perk of all that outdoor sniffing? It naturally encourages gentle movement, helping your dog maintain joint flexibility and muscle tone.
Pro Tip: Dog parks are a great place for your dog to discover new scents. For a fun and safe off-leash experience, check out our Dog Park Etiquette 101 Guide.
2. Grooming is Wellness Too!
→ Caring for their coat, skin, and smile is an easy way to check on your dog’s health.
Say no to unwanted health issues before they begin. Healthy hygiene habits like grooming and oral health are helpful for keeping your pup clean and smelling good. They are also valuable steps you can take to help support overall health and vitality.
Coat & Skin Care
Did you know that your dog’s skin is its largest organ? Depending on breed and size, it can make up around 12-24% of its body weight.[4]
As such, it’s essential to keep its skin barrier healthy and strong so that potentially harmful bacteria, allergens, UV rays, and toxins don’t get through. Here are some helpful habits that are easy to practice regularly:
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Brushing helps reduce itchiness, distribute oils, and strengthen the skin barrier.
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Bathing with a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo such as this Complete Care Shampoo & Conditioner that soothes irritation and leaves coats shiny.
Pro Tip: Use grooming time to check for bumps, hot spots, or shedding changes. *If you notice anything unusual, we recommend talking to your vet about next steps.
Dental Health
Maintaining a dog’s oral health is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of wellness. The stats don't lie—if preventative dental care isn’t provided, over 80% of dogs will show signs of disease by age three.[5,6]
Early signs, like plaque and tartar buildup or gingivitis, are usually undetectable, so most owners aren’t aware of what’s happening inside their dogs' mouths until the issues become more advanced.
The best way to support a healthy mouth is through daily brushing sessions or with this tasteless water-based Dental Care Solution—no toothbrush battles needed!
Key Takeaway: Wellness starts on the surface. Grooming is proactive care and bonding time.
3. Supportive Soft Chews = Tail-Wagging Wins
→PupGrade's tasty soft chews make your dog's inner wellness routine easy.
Feeding your dog high-quality food made with intentional, whole-food ingredients lays a strong foundation for their health. But just like us, dogs can still benefit from additional nutritional support—especially in areas where their diet may fall short or their lifestyle, age, and breed demands more.
Joint Support Soft Chews
No matter if your pup is still in zoomie mode or is starting to slow down, Joint Support Soft Chews are a smart way to keep them moving comfortably.
Formulated with a powerful blend of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and green-lipped mussel, these chews help maintain healthy cartilage, support joint flexibility, and promote long-term mobility—long walks and stairs don’t stand a chance of slowing them down.
9/10 Dog Parents Reported An Improvement In Their Dog's Mobility**
“My older dog was limping, I have used this for my other dog and decided to try it on this one . He's getting around much better now.” - Monica W.
Digestive Support Soft Chews
A healthy gut does more than support digestion—it impacts everything from energy to immune health. Our Digestive Support Soft Chews go beyond probiotics by also including natural prebiotics from blueberries to nourish healthy gut flora.
Because let’s be honest—nothing beats a balanced pup with a happy belly and a regular bathroom routine.
9 out of 10 Owners See Digestive Improvement!**
“Its only been a few short weeks but we can see his stools are much firmer. He seems to have less digestive issues.” - Carol M.
Skin & Coat Soft Chews
Grooming on the outside is only part of the puzzle. Incorporating these Skin & Coat Soft Chews can provide the internal piece dogs need for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
With a blend of omega-3s, probiotics, and skin-loving nutrients, these chews promote a healthy gut-skin connection—so itching, dullness, or dryness won’t get in the way of looking and feeling their best.
8/10 Dog Parents Reported Relieved, Itch-Free Dogs**
“Has really helped make my dog’s coat softer with less scratching.” - Marcus A.
Key Takeaway: Healthy habits are easiest when they taste good! PupGrade soft chews are functional and delicious.
**Based on a survey of PupGrade customers.
It’s Not About Doing Everything—It’s About Doing the Little Things That Matter.
From outdoor exploration and sniffing the breeze…
To brushing and dental care…
To the gentle support of daily soft chews…
These small, consistent habits help dogs feel more loved and supported—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Start your dog’s feel-good routine today, and save 10% with code 'BLOG10' on your first PupGrade order.
Resources:
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Väätäjä, H., Majaranta, P., Cardó, A. V., Isokoski, P., Somppi, S., Vehkaoja, A., Vainio, O., & Surakka, V. (2021). The Interplay Between Affect, Dog's Physical Activity and Dog-Owner Relationship. Frontiers in veterinary science, 8, 673407. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.673407
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Kokocińska-Kusiak, A., Woszczyło, M., Zybala, M., Maciocha, J., Barłowska, K., & Dzięcioł, M. (2021). Canine Olfaction: Physiology, Behavior, and Possibilities for Practical Applications. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 11(8), 2463. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082463
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Berg, P., Mappes, T., & Kujala, M. V. (2024). Olfaction in the canine cognitive and emotional processes: From behavioral and neural viewpoints to measurement possibilities. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 157, 105527. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105527
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Moriello, DVM, DACVD, K. A. (n.d.). Structure of the skin in dogs - dog owners. MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/structure-of-the-skin-in-dogs
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Enlund, K. B., Brunius, C., Hanson, J., Hagman, R., Höglund, O. V., Gustås, P., & Pettersson, A. (2020). Dog Owners' Perspectives on Canine Dental Health-A Questionnaire Study in Sweden. Frontiers in veterinary science, 7, 298. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00298
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Pereira dos Santos, J. D., Cunha, E., Nunes, T., Tavares, L., & Oliveira, M. (2019). Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs. Research in Veterinary Science, 125, 136–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.06.007
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