Jen Phillips April
WHAT IS NATIONAL HOLISTIC PET DAY?
When you think of caring for your pet, you probably think of healthy food and exercise. After all, taking regular walks helps keep you both in shape and eating nutritious food feeds the body and mind. But you might not think about what it means to be “holistic.”
August 30th is National Holistic Pet Day, but what does it mean to be “holistic?’
According to Merriam -Webster:
Holistic is “relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.”
When you take that “whole” view, it makes sense. Everything is connected after all so it makes sense that getting enough exercise, eating healthy foods, and spending quality time together will make for a healthy individual.
Let’s talk nutrition.
THE BENEFITS OF GOOD NUTRITION
You probably already know that a steady diet of chips (and the equivalent) doesn’t make for a healthy diet for you. It’s the same when it comes to your dog’s health.
Nutritious food is highly digestible. Which means your pet’s body can absorb the nutrients and use them to strengthen bones, maintain muscle, and have healthy teeth and skin and coat.
Take sweet potatoes for example. These healthy veggies are loaded with vitamins and nutrients and make excellent treats. They’re also important sources of fiber to help your pup stay “regular.” Blueberries are packed with antioxidants which are good for a healthy brain, coat and skin, and blood flow.
ADEQUATE EXERCISE
Every living creature needs regular exercise to stay healthy too. As you know, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight and animals are just as susceptible to weight-related problems like joint pain and diabetes as humans.
Though you might wonder what constitutes “adequate” exercise for your dog. Breed, age, and health of your dog all play a role. For example, a chihuahua is small and has short legs. Adequate exercise can mean a 20-minute walk around the block.
However, a young border collie or other working breed will need far more exercise. They’ll need to have a chance to run miles a day and have something to herd. As they get older, they’ll slow down, but they’ll always require more exercise than a tiny dog.
Your veterinarian can help you create a suitable exercise plan for your dog if needed.
SPENDING QUALITY TIME TOGETHER
Pets are great companions. Whether you snuggle together watching Netflix or throw the ball for your dog, spending quality time together forges a stronger dog human connection and “feeds” both of your spirits with contentment.
Besides, if we let them, our dogs can teach us a lot. They can teach us to slow down and appreciate the moment. They can make us laugh with their silly antics. They can remind us to drink more water. Just a few minutes a day can make you both feel better.
GROOMING IS IMPORTANT, TOO
Good hygiene and grooming are important too. Regular baths, nail trimmings, and teeth cleanings will help your dog feel – and look – his best.
Whether you brush your dog daily or you have a standing appointment with the groomer, don’t neglect these important elements of your dog’s health.
HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE NATIONAL HOLISTIC PET DAY?
You can see that living a “holistic” life isn’t complicated. It’s based on healthy foods, plenty of exercise and spending quality time together. Why not plan a healthy celebration this August 30th?
