Dog

There are lots of reasons it’s better to adopt a dog or cat (or other animal!

Dog dentistry might seem silly, but keeping your pup’s teeth plaque-free is vital to their longevity and comfort. A few extra minutes of attention now can save thousands of dollars in vet bills down the road. Products marketed towards plaque reduction and increased oral health are often filled with additives and colors that, at best, are simply acting as fillers and, at worst, are detrimental to your pet’s health. What’s the alternative? Holistic dog dentistry. 

When your pup has allergies it can be a struggle to figure out the cause. My veterinarian and I have been working together for the last couple of years to figure out why my 11-year-old German Shepard mix keeps getting these recurrent infections in his ear. It took a lot of eliminating, not my pup’s favorite part, but we have finally settled on a food regime that has helped. I cook it myself and he loves it!

Puppies.  Adorable, entertaining, but a real responsibility to take on.  If one of these exuberant little bundles of fur comes into our life, then it’s our job to give them the best start we can to, hopefully, a long and healthy life.  (Though really, dogs don’t live nearly long enough!)

Here are some ideas to help you get started. 

Running with your dog is one of the most rewarding ways to spend time together. Many runners dream of having a canine companion capable of running five, ten, or even 20 miles—a dog lean and strong, but also fast and nimble. Luckily, many dogs can make running partners.

There are close to 90 million dogs in the United States and an even higher number of cats. While these pets—for many of us, companions, best friends, and loyal members of our family—often go on to have full lives, their passing is unfortunately inevitable. Burying our loved animals in the backyard is often the best choice, but is not always practical or possible.

Did you know that at least 10% of the dogs in the U.S. suffer from heart disease?  The rate is even higher in elderly dogs (my old chihuahua has the beginnings of congestive heart failure), and in certain breeds.  Breeds with a susceptibility to heart issues include chihuahuas, along with basset hounds, lab retrievers, German shepherds, golden retrievers, boxers, rottweilers and others.  If you have one of those breeds, it’s not a bad idea to start support early and, of course, to make sure your dog is checked out by the vet regularly. 

Every good dog owner knows the importance of both physical exercise and mental stimulation for our canine companions.  Frequent walks and jaunts to the dog park become part of the routine in order to keep our furry friends healthy and happy (and let’s be honest—it helps our health factor, too).

Dogs have a bit of a reputation for having stinky breath.  We get it—they tend to eat a lot of gross things.  And the whole lack-of-opposable-thumbs thing makes it difficult for them to brush and floss their own teeth.

Our four-legged friends feel tension and nervousness just like we do. And some of the same botanical allies that work for us may help them, too.  Three of the most popular calming remedies for us bipeds are also safe for your pooch when she’s having an off day: chamomile, valerian, and passionflower.