Top 5 Natural Health Essentials for A Happy, Healthy Dog

Every dog owner wants to have a happy and a healthy dog, that’s goes without saying. Our dogs rely on us for their health and well-being, so it is our responsible to provide the best natural care and environment that it is the most beneficial for them.

1. Do Not Over-vaccinate. In the past, the most recommended way of keeping our dogs safe from certain diseases was by vaccinating them yearly against these diseases. But this is increasingly being scoffed at by holistic veterinarians as causing more harm than good.

Some of the common negative effects of annual vaccinations are excess scratching and itching, increased aggression, restless and irritable behavior. If you don’t feel at ease to skip his annual vaccination, what you could do is to get blood titers first to see if vaccination is necessary.

2. Feed Only Natural, Wholesome Diet. The basic for good health in our dogs is feeding him a well-balanced diet in a right amount on a daily basis. The more natural and fresh the diet, the more nutrients are available for our dogs’ bodies to use in building a good immune system, which will then prevent illness and disease.

Kibble is the least desirable form of nutrition for optimal health for your dog. If you aren’t ready to switch to cooked or raw feeding, then choose those commercial foods that have natural preservatives such as vitamin C,E, and mixed tocopherols. Tocopherols have a very potent form of natural vitamin E activity and are very often used as a natural preservative.

Avoid canned food completely. It consists of the worst junk parts of dead animals, along with poor-quality grains.

3. Exercise the body and the mind. Exercise is a powerful stress reliever for humans as well as for our dogs. Giving your dog regular walks and run in a park will enhance his life immeasurably. Walking, hiking, jogging, running, and swimming are ideal means of providing your dog with new and exciting experiences. Also they can be, especially walking, a powerful reward in the training process.

From the dog’s view point, a walk not only exercises him physically, it also provides a different environment that challenges his mind and stimulates his sense. Unlike his ancestors, domesticated dog lives in an environment that lacks sensory stimulation, at least of the kind he particularly enjoys–hunting.

4. Spay or Neuter. Having a dog spayed or neutered is an important part of responsible dog ownership. Neutering or spaying is more than simply birth control. Your dog will be healthier, more contented, live longer with improved overall behavior, and also behave better without sexual urges.

Many people are reluctant to have their dogs neutered because it seems unnatural. If you do not intend to breed from your dog, the best thing is to have him neutered. What is more unnatural, allowing him to suffer the insistent tugs of instincts he cannot fulfill or removing the urge completely? Similarly can be said to female dogs who experience false pregnancy.

5. Groom Regularly. One way to make sure your dog is beautiful, healthy, and happy is to keep him groomed. Grooming isn’t just about brushing his coat whenever that is mats. Grooming your dog goes beyond coat. It’s about regular bathing, nail clipping, paw moisturizing, coat trimming, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and an quarterly anal sacs emptying.

Your dog will have healthier skin, coat, teeth; not to mention look beautiful and sweet smelling. A clean dog is enjoyable to have around.

Remember, every dog is unique. Care for him according to his own uniqueness.

Note: This post is part of Problogger’s Group Writing Project.