May 23, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Enrichment: Awakening Your Dog's Super Senses

by Team Reggie in Articles

Your dog experiences a different world! While humans rely heavily on sight, dogs navigate the world through their incredible senses - especially smell, which is 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. Sensory enrichment taps into these superpowers, providing mental stimulation that's both natural and deeply satisfying.

Signs Your Dog Needs More Sensory Stimulation

Does your dog seem overly fixated on sniffing during walks? Do they appear bored or lethargic during outdoor activities? These couldTeam be signs they're craving more sensory experiences.

Scent-sational Activities for Your Dog's Nose

Create Scent Trails - Hide treats around your home and let your dog's nose lead the treasure hunt. Start easy and gradually increase difficulty.

Add Safe Scents to Toys- Lightly dab dog-safe essential oils like lavender or vanilla on toys. Research shows certain scents can even have calming effects on anxious dogs.

Build a Sniff Garden- Plant dog-safe herbs like rosemary or mint in your yard, creating a natural sensory playground.

Engaging Other Senses

Touch and Texture Adventures - Textured Walkways: Create paths using different materials like grass, gravel, sand, or towels for paw stimulation.

Digging Box - Provide a designated sandy area where your dog can satisfy their digging instincts safely.

Visual and Auditory Stimulation

Nature Watching - Let your dog observe the world from a park bench - simple but effective social and visual enrichment.

Calming Sounds - Play classical music or nature sounds to create a soothing sensory environment.

Bubble Play - Use dog-safe bubbles for visual tracking and gentle exercise.

Seasonal Sensory Experiences

Take advantage of changing seasons - let your dog explore autumn leaves, winter snow, spring rain, or summer grass. Each season offers unique textures, scents, and experiences.

The Mirror Test - Introducing your dog to their reflection provides fascinating visual enrichment and can lead to curious, playful reactions.

Building a Sensory-Rich Environment - The key to sensory enrichment is variety and rotation. Regularly introduce new scents, textures, and experiences to keep your dog's incredible senses engaged and satisfied.

Remember: when you stimulate your dog's senses, you're speaking their language and providing the mental nourishment they crave.

Tags: Enrichment

August 13, 2025

Why Dogs Need Omega-3 and How Much to Give

Did you know that Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful and proven nutrients for your dog’s health? Whether you’re caring for a playful pup or a wise senior, Omega-3s deliver head-to-tail benefits — it’s truly a canine superfood! What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs? Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of essential fats, meaning dogs (and humans) cannot produce them internally, they must come from the diet. The two most important Omega-3s for dogs are: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) These fats are primarily found in marine sources like fish oil, which is why fish-based Omega-3 supplements are the gold standard. Omega-3 Benefits for Dogs From shinier coats to smoother joints and brighter minds, Omega-3s are a daily way to show your dog some love, not just this month, but all year long. 1. Skin and Coat Health One of the most visible benefits of Omega-3 is a healthy, glossy coat. These fats help reduce inflammation in the skin, which can soothe itching, dryness, and irritation. Dogs suffering from allergies or seasonal skin flare-ups often benefit from increased Omega-3 intake. 2. Joint Support and Mobility EPA and DHA have natural anti-inflammatory properties. This can help ease joint stiffness and improve mobility, especially in older dogs or those with arthritis. Regular Omega-3 supplementation can support comfortable movement and an active lifestyle. 3. Brain Development and Cognitive Function DHA is a key building block for brain cells. For puppies, it supports proper brain development and learning. In senior dogs, Omega-3s may help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related decline. 4. Heart and Circulatory Health Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate cholesterol and triglycerides, support healthy blood pressure, and promote overall cardiovascular function. A healthy heart contributes to better stamina and vitality. 5. Immune System Support Omega-3s modulate the immune system, helping to reduce chronic inflammation and support natural defenses, which is essential for long-term health and disease prevention. Best Sources of Omega-3 for Dogs As mentioned earlier, omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA and DHA) are essential for your dog’s health but aren’t produced naturally in their bodies. Dogs typically get Omega-3s from animal-based foods like fatty fish and sometimes from egg yolks. Typical Omega-3 source for dogs: Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies (rich in EPA & DHA) Egg yolks (small amounts) High-quality fish oil supplements Krill oil or sustainable algae oil (alternative marine sources) While plant-based sources like flaxseed and chia provide ALA (a precursor to EPA & DHA), dogs don’t convert it efficiently — so animal-based sources are more effective. Reggie Evening Skin and Coat is a daily soft chew rich in Omega-3s from fish (150 mg per chew), plus Vitamin E and Sunflower Oil, formulated to support your dog’s skin, coat, immune health, and more. It helps soothe itchy skin, reduce irritation, and promote a shiny, healthy coat — ideal for dogs with dryness or seasonal allergies. This dog-friendly formulation is vet-approved and made with clean, human-grade, Non-GMO ingredients with no fillers. Want a treat with Omega-3 benefits? Reggie’s Freeze Dried Treats feature human-grade Silver Carp, sustainably fished in the USA, blended with pumpkin and flaxseed. These wholesome, low-calorie training treats are high in protein, omega-3s, fiber, and healthy fats. How Much Omega-3 Does Your Dog Need? The ideal dose depends on your dog’s size, diet, and health needs. Veterinary experts recommend looking at the combined EPA + DHA content per day rather than the total fish oil amount. Here are General Wellness Dosage Guidelines for EPA + DHA (mg/day): (adapted from the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, 2006) Small dogs (<10 kg / 22 lbs): 100–200 mg Medium dogs (10–25 kg / 22–55 lbs): 300–600 mg Large dogs (25–40 kg / 55–88 lbs): 600–1000 mg Giant dogs (>40 kg / 88 lbs): 1000+ mg These ranges are ideal for general wellness: skin, coat, heart, and brain health. For dogs with joint issues or inflammatory conditions, your vet may recommend a higher dose. Always consult your vet before increasing Omega-3 supplementation beyond general wellness doses.

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August 4, 2025

The Social Butterfly Effect: Why Your Dog's Happiness Depends on Healthy Relationships

Despite living in your home for years, your dog remains a pack animal at heart. Their happiness depends not just on walks and treats, but on meaningful social connections. Learn why some dogs become overly clingy while others turn reactive, and discover how to build your dog's social confidence through structured interactions that strengthen their emotional wellbeing.

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