Pet Health & Wellness - Oct 2020
Human society and popular culture are obsessed with health and well-being. Wellness blogs, Instagram influencers and mobile apps to track nutrition are all staples of the modern wellness industry and its spread into modern human life. But while people pursue health-based lifestyle improvements, their dogs are often overlooked. The health and well-being of our animal companions should be held to the same standard that we hold our own. After all, it doesn’t really make sense to cook yourself that super-healthy organic meal while your dog is stuck with something slimy out of the can. Starting with a simple program of home-cooked meals, regular exercise and a dash of holistic care, we can improve the wellness of our furry friends.
For exercise, most veterinarians and experts will recommend a regular, consistent regimen. A moderate walk, game of fetch or nice trot at your local park or beach will keep your pets active. Additionally, exercise has psychological and emotional benefits – providing a break from your dog’s usual indoor environment. Exercise outside, especially in public places, also gives dog owners an opportunity to socialize their dogs with other dogs, which is an important step in their development. Socialization skills can lead to overall improvements in behavior around humans and can make your pet easier to train.
Another component of dog wellness is diet. The best diet you can provide your pet is a home-cooked diet with proteins and vegetables bought at your local grocery. Many store-bought pet food brands are loaded with excess sugars and salts and can cause long-term health problems if not monitored. There can be even greater risks. For example, kibble can potentially contain carcinogens due to being cooked at a high temperature. By cooking for your pets, you can control their macronutrients better and prevent problematic overages or shortages in nutritional content. To ensure they are getting the appropriate vitamins, there are supplements that can be added when you cook at home.
Holistic medicine is not a replacement for regular veterinary care or visits, but there are many useful tips regarding conscious medical care. To begin with, it is important to make sure your dogs are not over-vaccinated. There are core vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and rabies. Over-vaccination can potentially lead to chronic illness, and the risks can outweigh the rewards. It is important to carefully discuss vaccinations beyond the core vaccines with your vet. Self-education around holistic or natural care can give you a broader understanding of your options. Consult the AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association) for more information about holistic care for your pets.
Lastly, make sure you keep your dog’s teeth clean. Daily brushing is essential. Failing to keep your dog’s teeth clean can lead to tartar build-up, which in turn can lead to gum disease, infection, and even heart disease. Not to mention, they’ll breath will be better when they give you doggy kisses!
Ultimately, your pet’s wellness is in your hands. Regular exercise, home-cooked meals, awareness about vaccinations and teeth cleaning can help preserve your bond with them for as long as possible.
