Dog Health: A Complete Guide for Singapore Dog Owners

Dog health for Singapore dog owners means more than just avoiding illness; it is a daily commitment to keeping your dog physically comfortable in the heat, mentally relaxed in a busy city, and protected through sensible preventive care. When dog health is treated as a holistic lifestyle instead of a one-time vet visit, dogs cope better with Singapore’s climate, live more comfortably in smaller homes, and stay happier and more resilient at every life stage.

What “dog health” really means in Singapore

Dog health in Singapore includes how your dog copes with constant heat and humidity, how fit and mobile they are, how well their digestion works, and how calm and confident they feel in a dense, noisy city. A healthy Singapore dog can regulate its body temperature, maintain a stable weight, have comfortable skin and paws despite the humidity and hot pavements, and show steady, relaxed behaviour in the home and in public spaces.

Holistic dog health also includes oral health, joint comfort, sleep quality, and emotional wellbeing, because all of these affect how long and how happily a dog can enjoy daily life with you. A well-rounded health approach recognises that nutrition, gut health, movement, mental enrichment, and routine veterinary care are tightly connected rather than separate topics.

Physical, mental, digestive and preventive health

Physical Health

Physical health for dogs in Singapore focuses on healthy weight, strong muscles, good mobility, and skin that stays comfortable despite high humidity. Because many pets here live in flats with limited outdoor time, physical health also depends on how well owners manage exercise within an urban environment, using walks, indoor play, and structured activities to keep dogs moving.

Mental Health

Mental health for dogs is shaped by noise, crowds, lift lobbies, and frequent thunderstorms, which can all cause anxiety if dogs are not supported with training and enrichment. Mentally healthy dogs cope with routine changes, can relax at home, and show curiosity rather than constant stress, which reduces the risk of behaviour issues that indirectly affect physical health.

Digestive Health

Digestive health is a pillar of overall wellbeing, because what a dog eats and how their gut functions influence their energy levels, immune resilience, skin condition, and even behaviour. A healthy digestive system means consistent, formed stools, minimal gas, stable appetite, and no regular episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea, which suggests that the dog’s diet and gut microbiome are working well together.

Preventive Health

Preventive health ties everything together by using vaccination, parasite protection, regular vet checks, and early lifestyle adjustments to reduce the chance of serious illness later. Preventive care is especially important in a tropical climate where parasites, infectious diseases, and skin problems are more common all year round, rather than being seasonal.

Signs of a healthy dog in Singapore

A healthy dog in Singapore typically has a bright, engaged expression, smooth and easy movement, and a body that looks lean rather than rounded, with a visible waist from above. The skin should look comfortable without constant scratching, the coat should be reasonably shiny or appropriate to the breed, and the dog should tolerate routine walks without excessive panting or collapse.

Healthy Habits

Healthy daily habits include a steady appetite, drinking enough water without obsessively seeking or avoiding it, and passing firm, well-formed stools once or a few times a day. A healthy dog usually sleeps well between active periods, can settle after activity, and enjoys short training sessions and play without becoming irritable or withdrawn.

Healthy Behaviours

Behaviourally, a healthy dog is generally curious about the environment and people, even if shy by nature, and can recover from mild stress like a loud sound or a passing lorry. While not every dog is social with all other dogs, a healthy dog can usually navigate public spaces like lifts, corridors, and parks without constant panic or aggression.

Signs your dog may be unwell

Changes from your dog's usual behaviour or routine are often the earliest clues that something is wrong, even before obvious physical signs appear. Owners in Singapore should pay close attention when a dog suddenly becomes quieter or more clingy, loses interest in walks, or shows new restlessness inside a flat that used to feel normal.

Physical Warnings

Physical warning signs can include persistent scratching, red or smelly skin, recurring ear problems, limping, or a change in the way your dog uses stairs or jumps onto furniture. Other red flags are repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in stool or urine, coughing, difficulty breathing, sudden weight loss or gain, or a belly that suddenly seems swollen or painful.

Subtle Warnings

Some issues are more subtle in Singapore, such as mild heat stress, which might show as excessive panting indoors, choosing cool floors, or reluctance to go out at certain times. Dogs that begin to show new fear of thunderstorms, traffic, or lifts may also be signalling underlying pain, anxiety, or sensory changes that deserve professional attention.

Preventive vs reactive health care

Preventive Care

Preventive health care means acting before problems appear by using routine checkups, vaccinations, parasite control, weight management, and age-appropriate screening tests. This proactive approach helps detect health changes early, when they are often easier and less stressful to manage, and it allows owners to plan care around the dog’s stage of life and lifestyle.

Reactive Care

Reactive health care happens when owners only visit the vet once their dog is visibly unwell, which can mean dealing with more advanced disease or more complex treatments. While emergencies will always occur, relying mainly on reactive care tends to be more emotionally and financially demanding and can reduce quality of life for both dog and owner.

In Singapore Context

In Singapore, preventive care is especially valuable because year-round warmth encourages parasites and infections, and indoor lifestyles can quietly drive obesity and joint strain. By combining regular wellness visits with sensible daily routines, owners can often prevent small issues like mild skin irritation or weight creep from becoming chronic conditions.

How Singapore’s climate affects dog health

Singapore’s climate stays hot and humid throughout the year, which makes heat stress, dehydration, and humidity-related skin problems core concerns for dog owners. Dogs cool themselves mainly through panting and limited sweating through their paws, so even short walks on hot pavements or mid-day outings can challenge their ability to regulate temperature.

High humidity means that sweat and moisture evaporate less effectively, which makes the heat feel heavier and increases the risk of heatstroke if dogs are overexerted or left in poorly ventilated spaces. Humidity also makes damp fur and skin slower to dry, which creates a more favourable environment for bacteria and yeast, leading to hotspots, ear infections, and chronic skin irritation.

Rainy spells introduce additional challenges such as wet walks, muddy paws, and more time spent indoors, which can lower activity levels and increase boredom. Sudden thunderstorms may trigger sound sensitivity or phobias, and owners need to account for this emotional load in their dog’s health plan, especially in high-rise buildings where sounds echo.

Daily care routines for Singapore living

Daily care for a dog in Singapore works best when routines are adjusted around temperature, humidity, and urban schedules, rather than copying care habits from cooler climates. Many dogs do better with early morning and late evening walks, shorter outdoor sessions on hotter days, and more frequent but gentler exercise rather than long mid-day outings.

Indoor environments are a big part of dog health here, because many pets spend most of their time in air-conditioned or fan-cooled flats. Owners can support comfort by providing cool resting spots, non-slip flooring, access to water in more than one area, and safe spaces where dogs can rest away from household noise.

Urban daily care also includes navigating lifts, corridors, and shared spaces, which can be stressful for some dogs without gentle training and patient exposure. Giving dogs predictable routines for toilet breaks, feeding, play, and rest helps them feel secure and reduces anxiety in a busy, compact environment.

How food and nutrition support overall health

Nutrition is the foundation of dog health because it fuels every body system, from immune defence to joint function and skin resilience. A complete and balanced diet that matches the dog’s life stage, size, and activity level helps maintain stable energy, healthy weight, and good digestive function, which all contribute to long-term wellbeing.

In Singapore, diet choices often need to consider indoor lifestyles and limited space for high-intensity exercise, which means calorie control becomes particularly important to avoid weight gain. Owners can work with their vet to choose an appropriate food type and portion size, whether they feed commercial, home-cooked, or mixed diets, while monitoring body condition over time.

Good nutrition also supports skin and coat health, which is especially valuable in a humid climate where skin conditions are common and can easily flare up. Diets that include appropriate fatty acids, quality protein, and digestible ingredients can help maintain skin barrier function and reduce the frequency of some inflammatory flares in predisposed dogs.

Gut health and its link to immunity and behaviour

Gut health speaks to how well the digestive tract breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and maintains a balanced microbiome of beneficial bacteria. When the gut is functioning well, dogs are more likely to have stable stools, fewer digestive upsets, better nutrient utilisation, and a more robust immune response to everyday challenges.

Researchers and veterinarians increasingly recognise the connection between the gut and the immune system, often describing the gut as a central hub of dog immunity. Disturbances in gut health, such as frequent diarrhoea or recurring sensitivities, can make dogs more vulnerable to infections, inflammation, and chronic discomfort that spills over into other health areas.

The gut also influences behaviour through the so-called gut–brain axis, where digestive discomfort or dysbiosis may be associated with irritability, restlessness, or reduced stress tolerance. Supporting gut health through stable diets, gradual transitions when foods change, and appropriate use of vet-recommended prebiotic or probiotic strategies can contribute to calmer, more comfortable dogs.

Exercise and movement in an urban environment

Exercise is essential for weight control, cardiovascular health, joint strength, and mental wellbeing, especially in a compact urban setting where dogs are surrounded by stimulation but may lack free space. Movement helps prevent obesity, which is a growing issue in pets in Singapore and contributes to diabetes, joint disease, and heart strain.

Owners in Singapore can support healthy movement by using cooler times of the day for outdoor walks, varying routes for mental interest, and mixing physical exercise with training and sniffing activities. Shorter but more frequent walks, indoor games like scent work, and structured play with toys can provide meaningful exercise without overheating the dog.

Breed and individual needs matter because some dogs require more mental challenge than pure distance, while others need consistent low-impact movement to manage weight and joint comfort. Urban exercise plans work best when they are realistic for the owner’s schedule and the dog’s temperament, which increases the chance that the routine can be sustained long term.

Mental health, stress and enrichment

Mental health in dogs refers to how they cope with stress, novelty, and routine changes, as well as how confident and relaxed they feel in daily life. In Singapore’s busy urban environment, dogs often encounter lifts, crowds, traffic noise, and construction, which can be overwhelming if they lack gradual exposure and support.

Chronic stress in dogs can show as restlessness, destructive behaviour, excessive barking, toileting issues, or withdrawal, and over time this emotional load can influence physical health as well. Stressed dogs may be more prone to digestive upsets, skin flares, or poor sleep, which can create a cycle where health and behaviour challenges reinforce each other.

Enrichment helps prevent this cycle by giving dogs structured opportunities to use their senses and brains in a safe, rewarding way. Simple enrichment ideas include sniff walks, puzzle feeders, basic training games, and chew items that are appropriate for the dog’s size and chewing style, all of which help channel energy and build confidence.

Preventive vet care, vaccinations and parasite control

Preventive Vet Care

Preventive veterinary care in Singapore generally includes core vaccinations, parasite prevention, wellness exams, and, when appropriate, screening tests tailored to the dog’s age and risk profile. These measures aim to protect dogs against infectious diseases, manage parasite exposure in a tropical environment, and monitor internal organ health over time.

Vaccinations

Vaccination plans typically cover core diseases and may include non-core vaccines based on the dog’s lifestyle and exposure risk, such as how often they visit parks or boarding facilities. Parasite control usually addresses fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, and sometimes heartworm, using products and schedules selected with veterinary guidance.

Parasite Control

Wellness exams give vets the chance to detect subtle changes such as early dental disease, weight creep, or heart murmurs before they cause obvious symptoms at home. During these visits, owners can also discuss topics like diet, behaviour, and exercise, which helps create an integrated health plan rather than reacting to isolated problems.

How routine checkups, daily care and gut health connect

Routine Checkups

Routine vet checkups, everyday home care, and gut health are closely linked, and paying attention to all three builds a stronger foundation than focusing on just one area. Regular exams help identify whether a dog’s current diet and lifestyle are supporting healthy weight, good stool quality, and comfortable skin, or whether adjustments could reduce future risk.

Daily Care

Daily care at home, such as feeding consistent meals, monitoring stool, brushing teeth, and tracking weight or body shape, gives owners valuable information to share with their vet. This ongoing feedback loop makes it easier to spot patterns, such as digestive issues that appear with certain foods or skin flares that coincide with weather changes.

Gut Health

Gut health sits at the centre of this loop because it reflects how well diet, stress, and overall health are in balance. When gut health improves through appropriate feeding choices and stress management, dogs often show better energy, more stable behaviour, and fewer secondary issues such as recurring skin or ear problems.

Dog health insurance in Singapore context

Dog health insurance can be a useful tool for managing unexpected veterinary costs, especially for emergencies or significant illnesses that are difficult to predict. In a city like Singapore where veterinary care is modern and comprehensive, treatment options can be extensive, and insurance may help owners feel more comfortable choosing recommended care.

Insurance policies often differ in what they cover, including accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions, dental work, and preventive care, so owners need to read terms carefully. It is important to understand exclusions, claim limits, and waiting periods, and to consider the dog’s age, breed, and pre-existing conditions when deciding whether a policy fits the household.

Insurance works best when combined with continuing preventive care and good daily habits, rather than replacing them. A policy may help with costs, but it is consistent lifestyle choices, early intervention, and open communication with your vet that most strongly shape a dog’s quality of life.

When to seek professional veterinary advice

Owners should contact a veterinarian promptly whenever they see sudden changes such as difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, extreme lethargy, or signs of severe pain like continuous crying or refusal to move. Other urgent situations include suspected heatstroke, poisoning, serious wounds, or a swollen and painful abdomen, as these can become life-threatening quickly.

Non-emergency but still important reasons to book a vet visit include persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, skin issues that do not improve, repeated ear infections, changes in thirst or urination, or limping that lasts more than a short period. Owners should also seek guidance when behavioural changes appear alongside possible discomfort, such as sudden aggression, new fearfulness, or withdrawal from family activities.

Even when signs seem mild, consulting a vet can help clarify whether home adjustments are enough or whether further investigation is advisable. Professional advice is especially valuable for puppies, seniors, dogs with chronic disease, or dogs on multiple medications, because these groups may show subtler signs of distress.

Supporting puppies, adults and senior dogs

Puppies in Singapore need careful vaccination schedules, parasite protection, and consistent socialisation that balances safety with exposure to real-world environments like lifts and corridors. Their digestive systems are still maturing, so diet changes should be gradual, and owners should watch closely for any signs of digestive upset or growth concerns.

Adult dogs benefit from stable routines that include regular exercise, mental enrichment, and annual or recommended checkups to maintain health and catch changes early. Maintaining an ideal body condition during the adult years is one of the most powerful ways to prevent or delay problems like arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease later on.

Senior dogs often need modifications such as softer bedding, easier access to water and resting spots, and adjusted exercise to protect joints while preserving mobility. More frequent vet visits and tailored diets that consider kidney function, weight, and oral health can make a significant difference in comfort and independence for older pets.

How breed and body type interact with Singapore’s climate

Breed and body type influence how well a dog tolerates Singapore’s heat and humidity, with heavily coated or brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds generally more prone to heat stress. Dogs with thick double coats, or those bred for cold climates, may struggle more with outdoor activity and need extra attention to cooling, shade, and time of day for walks.

Short-nosed breeds can find it harder to breathe efficiently in hot, humid air, which affects their ability to pant and cool down. These dogs may need particularly careful management of exercise intensity and duration, as well as indoor environments that support easier breathing and recovery.

Size and energy levels matter too, because high-drive dogs may push themselves beyond safe limits, while smaller or low-energy breeds may still need structured activity to avoid weight gain. Matching your dog’s breed tendencies with realistic exercise opportunities, indoor space, and your own lifestyle helps protect health over the long term.

Dentistry, skin care and grooming as health pillars

Dental Health

Dental health is a major part of overall dog health but is easy to overlook, especially when life feels busy and space is limited. Poor oral health can cause pain, difficulty eating, and infections that may affect other organs, so regular checks, at-home cleaning routines, and professional cleanings when recommended are worth prioritising.

Skin Care

Skin care is particularly important in Singapore’s humidity, where moisture, heat, and environmental allergens can team up to trigger itch, infections, and chronic discomfort. Gentle but consistent grooming, drying after wet walks or baths, and early attention to redness or smell help prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.

Grooming

Grooming routines tailored to the dog’s coat type support both comfort and health by reducing mats, allowing air to reach the skin, and giving owners a chance to spot lumps, parasites, or injuries early. Working with professional groomers who understand local conditions and breed needs can further support overall health, especially for thick-coated or high-maintenance breeds.

Building a long-term health plan for your dog in Singapore

A long-term health plan for a Singapore dog works best when it is simple enough to maintain but structured enough to cover key areas like diet, exercise, vet care, and enrichment. Many owners find it useful to keep basic records of weight, vet visits, vaccinations, parasite treatments, and any recurring issues, which helps reveal patterns over time.

Such a plan can be revisited at least yearly to adjust for age, climate changes, new living arrangements, or shifts in the owner’s schedule, ensuring that routines stay realistic and effective. By viewing health as an ongoing series of small, consistent choices rather than a list of one-time tasks, owners can support their dogs through each life stage with confidence and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does “dog health” mean for dogs living in Singapore?

Dog health for dogs living in Singapore means keeping them physically comfortable in constant heat and humidity, mentally calm in a dense urban environment, and protected through sensible preventive care such as vaccinations, parasite control, and regular checkups with a veterinarian. It includes physical fitness, joint and skin comfort, gut and digestive health, oral care, emotional wellbeing, and lifestyle factors like exercise, enrichment, and safe routines in flats, condos, and HDBs.

2. How do I know if my dog is healthy in Singapore’s climate?

A healthy dog in Singapore usually has a lean body with a visible waist, bright eyes, a comfortable skin and coat despite the humidity, and can tolerate ordinary walks without excessive panting or collapse. Healthy dogs also have a steady appetite, pass regular firm stools, sleep well between active periods, and behave in a generally relaxed and curious way at home and in common areas such as lifts and corridors.

3. What are common signs that my dog might be unwell?

Common signs that a dog may be unwell include sudden changes in energy, appetite, or behaviour, such as hiding, unusual clinginess, loss of interest in walks, or new restlessness in the home. Physical warning signs include repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, persistent scratching, red or smelly skin, ear infections, limping, sudden weight change, coughing, difficulty breathing, or a swollen, painful abdomen.

4. How does Singapore’s heat and humidity affect dog health?

Singapore’s year-round heat and humidity increase the risk of heat stress, dehydration, and skin problems because dogs cool mainly through panting and have limited ability to release heat efficiently. Humidity also keeps fur and skin damp, which can encourage bacterial and yeast overgrowth, leading to hotspots, ear infections, and chronic itch if dogs are not dried properly and their routines are not adjusted.

5. When is it too hot to walk my dog in Singapore?

It is generally safer to avoid long or intense walks during the late morning to late afternoon when pavements and air temperatures are hottest, because dogs can overheat quickly in Singapore’s climate. Most dogs do better with early morning and late evening walks, shorter outdoor sessions on hotter days, and more indoor play or mental enrichment when the heat index is high.

6. What is preventive dog health care and why is it important?

Preventive dog health care means using vaccinations, parasite prevention, regular wellness checkups, dental care, and early lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of serious disease before it appears. This approach is especially important in Singapore’s tropical environment, where parasites and certain infections are present year-round, and where indoor lifestyles can quietly contribute to obesity and joint strain.

7. How often should my dog see a vet for a routine checkup?

Most healthy adult dogs benefit from at least one routine veterinary checkup per year to review weight, dental health, skin, heart, and overall lifestyle, while puppies, seniors, and dogs with ongoing issues may need more frequent visits. Regular exams help catch subtle changes early and give you the chance to discuss diet, behaviour, exercise, and any new concerns before they become bigger problems.

8. When should I seek urgent veterinary care for my dog?

Urgent veterinary care is needed if your dog has difficulty breathing, collapses, has seizures, shows extreme lethargy, has a very swollen and painful abdomen, or may have been poisoned or severely injured. Sudden signs of heatstroke, such as frantic panting, drooling, bright red or very pale gums, confusion, or collapse after heat exposure, are also emergencies that should be treated immediately.

9. How are food, gut health, and overall dog health connected?

Food and gut health are central to overall dog health because the digestive system breaks down nutrients, supports immunity, and influences energy, skin condition, and even behaviour through the gut–brain axis. When dogs eat a complete, balanced, and well-tolerated diet, they are more likely to have stable stools, fewer digestive upsets, better skin resilience, and more consistent mood and stress tolerance.

10. What does a healthy stool look like for a dog?

A healthy dog stool is usually firm, well-formed, easy to pick up, and passed without visible straining, blood, or mucus, and the dog should not show pain or distress when toileting. Consistent stool quality and frequency that matches your dog’s usual pattern suggest that the current diet and gut health are generally working well, while sudden changes may signal a need for veterinary advice.

11. What kind of diet is best for dogs in Singapore?

The best diet for dogs in Singapore is one that is complete and balanced for the dog’s life stage and size, supports a healthy weight for an indoor and often less active lifestyle, and suits any specific health needs. Owners can choose from commercial, home-cooked, or mixed diets, but should work with a veterinarian to ensure the diet meets nutritional requirements and monitor body condition over time.

12. How can I prevent my dog from becoming overweight in a flat or condo?

Preventing weight gain in a flat or condo involves feeding measured portions appropriate to your dog’s size and activity level, limiting high-calorie treats, and building in daily exercise and enrichment even in small spaces. Regularly checking body shape, feeling for ribs under a light fat cover, and adjusting portions with veterinary guidance can help keep your dog at a healthy weight despite a more indoor lifestyle.

13. How much exercise do dogs in Singapore typically need?

Most dogs in Singapore need a combination of daily walks, play, and mental enrichment, tailored to their breed, age, and health, rather than a fixed one-size-fits-all duration. Many dogs do well with shorter, more frequent walks during cooler times of day plus indoor games like scent work, training sessions, and puzzle toys, especially when the weather is very hot or wet.

14. How can I support my dog’s mental health in a busy city?

Supporting a dog’s mental health in a busy city involves providing predictable routines, safe resting spaces, gentle exposure to urban sights and sounds, and regular enrichment that lets them sniff, chew, and solve simple challenges. Calm training, positive reinforcement in lifts and common areas, and appropriate outlets for energy help reduce anxiety and prevent stress-related behaviour issues in compact living environments.

15. What are simple enrichment ideas for dogs in Singapore flats?

Simple enrichment ideas for dogs in Singapore flats include food puzzle toys, snuffle mats, basic training games, chew items suited to the dog’s chewing style, and short indoor scent-search activities using treats or toys. Even a few minutes of structured mental work each day can help dogs feel more satisfied and reduce boredom and destructive behaviour in smaller homes.

16. Do certain dog breeds struggle more with Singapore’s climate?

Heavily coated breeds, dogs bred for cold climates, and short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds often struggle more with Singapore’s heat and humidity because they have more difficulty releasing body heat. These dogs may need shorter and gentler walks, extra access to cool indoor spaces, careful monitoring for signs of heat stress, and grooming routines that keep coats comfortable and skin well-ventilated.

17. How important is dental care for my dog?

Dental care is a major pillar of dog health because untreated tartar, gum disease, and tooth pain can affect eating, cause chronic discomfort, and potentially impact other organs over time. Regular dental checks, at-home toothbrushing or dental aids, and professional cleanings when advised by a vet help keep your dog’s mouth comfortable and reduce the risk of more serious problems.

18. Why does my dog get frequent skin problems in Singapore?

Dogs in Singapore are prone to skin issues because high humidity, heat, and environmental allergens create conditions where moisture and microbes can easily irritate the skin and ears. Regular grooming, thorough drying after baths or rainy walks, early attention to itch or redness, and, when needed, veterinary-guided treatment plans can help reduce flare-ups and keep the skin more comfortable.

19. Is dog health insurance worth it in Singapore?

Dog health insurance in Singapore can be helpful for managing unexpected veterinary bills from accidents, emergencies, or serious illnesses, especially when advanced treatment options are available. It is important to compare policies, understand coverage and exclusions, and view insurance as a complement to good preventive care and daily routines rather than a replacement for them.

20. How can I build a long-term health plan for my dog?

A long-term health plan for your dog starts with a suitable diet, realistic exercise and enrichment routines, and a schedule of regular vet visits for checkups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Keeping simple records of weight, medical history, treatments, and recurring issues and reviewing them with your vet at least yearly helps you adjust the plan as your dog ages or your lifestyle changes.

Join the Community

At La Réflecion,  we’re a passionate Singapore pet community dedicated to helping paw parents live their best pet-friendly lives. From curated accessories to trusted recommendations, we share practical guides and pet-friendly travel tips across Asia to inspire meaningful adventures with your furry companions.  

Stay connected by joining our La Réflecion Telegram Community, where pet lovers in Singapore and beyond share trusted reviews, travel experiences and invitations to exclusive pet-friendly events. Be part of a growing network that celebrates companionship, comfort, and conscious pet living — one pawstep at a time. 🐾