5 Holistic Dog Care Tips – To Spend A Little Extra Time With Your Best Friend

One or five years may not seem like a lot of time, but think about all the memories you won’t create with your best friend if that time didn’t exist. Think about the morning walks in the park, all the times he treats your slippers like his favorite chew toy and of course the time when he sneaks into your bed to cuddle with you because he felt lonely. Although there are many opinions on how to care for your dog, Pitty Rescue, Inc. provides us with 5 holistic dog care tips that can potentially earn you some extra time with your cuddly friend.

1. Avoid harmful overmedication.
Not only are yearly vaccinations frivolous and unnecessary, they can also be dangerous for your dog. Vaccinosis is the term for the collateral damage excessive shots can cause your dog, including lethargy, thyroid problems, and even death. Chemical pesticide flea and tick medicines can also do more harm than good. These treatments compromise a dog’s immune system while still not proving 100% effective. There are natural flea and tick medicines that are safer for your dog.

2. Groom your dog as much as possible.
Besides preventing your dog from shedding all over your furniture, frequently brushing their hair has numerous other benefits. Brushing helps exfoliate a dog’s skin, allowing natural oils to circulate, promoting a healthier coat. In longer haired dogs, brushing also helps prevent matted fur or hair, which can cause irritation and even infection. Lastly, frequent brushing and petting allow you and your dog to bond, greatly improving your relationship.

3. Make sure your dog receives lots of exercise.
Walks around the block and playing fetch are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, but they should not be the only source of exercise. Occasional longer walks are an excellent way to supplement additional exercise for your dog. These long walks are mentally stimulating for your dog, allowing them to explore new areas as well as ‘expand’ their territory. Know how you can feel ‘cooped up’ on a long snow day? The same thing can happen to your dog! Allowing them to release all of their pent up energy will lead to a calmer, better behaved dog.

4. Provide consistent feedback for your dog.
Your dog can’t speak English! When you give it a command, your dog is reacting to both the verbal cue, as well as any physical feedback you are giving as well. Most dog owners are good at encouraging good behavior, but find reprimanding their dog, especially when it’s a puppy, to be much more difficult. The key is consistency. It might be hard, but you should always look your dog in the eyes and use a stern voice when attempting to discourage them. Laughing while telling the dog ‘No!’ is sending mixed signals that will only confuse them, which can cause undue stress. Being consistent, even when scolding, will lead to a healthier, happier dog.

5. Provide a healthy diet along with clean, fresh drinking water.
Excellent nutrition is the foundation of mental, physical, and emotional health for your dog. Dogs are carnivores and are best served by a diet primarily composed of meat. Raw and/or fresh foods are the best options and are now available at most major pet stores. Crunchy dog biscuits and green chew treats are often high in sugar and can cause periodontal disease, so they should be avoided in favor of meat-based treats. A constant supply of fresh, filtered water will allow your dog to stay hydrated, an integral part of healthy living. If you’re drinking water from a filter, your dog should too!

A few small changes to your routine, coupled with minor preventative measures can drastically improve your dog’s overall health and improve their longevity. These five simple steps, coupled with plenty of love and belly rubs, will leave you and your dog happy for years to come!