You pet’s health is of utmost importance, which is why making a holistic dog care plan that takes into account all of your dog’s needs is so necessary. Conventional medicine and veterinary care are essential, but they can go hand-in-hand with a holistic approach to taking care of your dog. When we say holistic, we’re referring to a philosophy of care that considers your pet’s mind, body, and spirit, and focuses on treatments that are all-natural and in your dog’s best interest. Instead of focusing on a single issue, holistic care treats your pet as a “whole” and aims to improve quality of life, as well as preventing diseases and health problems. Let’s go over three reasons why this approach might benefit your dog.
1. A natural diet helps prevent disease.
Holistic foods are healthy, balanced, and generally, people prefer to avoid GMOs and pesticides. You can choose your dog’s diet based on what health concerns you have: Some pets need easily digestible proteins, more fatty acids, or any number of unique nutritional requirements. Look for more meat and fewer starches and grains. Good nutrition boosts the immune system, prevents common illnesses, and affects mental and spiritual health in plenty of other ways too. You wouldn’t eat fast food three meals a day every day yourself, so don’t give your dog that diet, either. Make sure your furry friend has high-quality food that they enjoy.
2. Exercise and activities keep your pet happy.
A holistic approach to pet health also means including your pet’s happiness and physical fitness into account. Exercise helps to build muscle, lowers blood pressure, and prevents behavioral problems that can result from boredom or inactivity. When you take your dog outside, safety is paramount. Before you start taking your pup out, make sure you have a dog harness that fits well. Be sure to measure your dog to ensure that you get the right size and they won’t be able to slip out of it. A low-quality harness is likely to be uncomfortable and present a higher risk for breakage, so do your research when you’re looking for supplies for your dog. Socializing your dog early and allowing him to play with other dogs is also a good idea and will help their temperament later in life.
3. Natural products can improve your pet’s health.
If your dog is having any health issues, or you just want to be proactive, there are supplements you can add to your pup’s diet. For example, probiotics can improve gut health, while coconut oil can help with dry skin. There are plenty of all-natural ways to improve your pet’s health and hygiene, and most are readily available online or at your pet supply store.
You can even find unique products like CBD oil for pets. The nutrients, proteins, and fatty acids found in CBD can provide a boost to your pet’s overall health. The rising popularity of CBD products for pets has gotten so much attention that the American Kennel Club is sponsoring a study on benefits it may provide for epileptic dogs. The AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer says CBD is used most often for anti-nausea effects, anti-inflammatory properties, cardiac benefits, appetite stimulation, anti-anxiety impact, and possible anti-cancer benefits. As with any health-related product, it’s recommended that you choose a high-quality, organic product. Make sure you consult your vet before adding anything to your dog’s diet. They can advise you as to whether products like dog hemp chews would be a good fit for your furry friend.
Having a pet is a big responsibility, and their safety is entirely dependent on you. Taking a holistic approach to your pet’s health and wellness routine doesn’t just help you improve their physical health, it also helps them adjust behaviorally and makes them happy. Whether you have a new puppy that you’re learning how to care for or are just looking to improve the health of an older pet, it’s never too late to adopt healthier habits and take a whole-body approach when it comes to your dog. If you don’t know where to get started, talk to your vet.