The road to a healthier and happier dog is right before you. As you begin your journey, remember that to be fully engaged in the holistic way you’ll need to consider your whole dog. To do this, you must take into consideration not only your dog’s body but his mind and spirit as well. The key ingredients to a healthy dog start with an individualized nutrition program and an individualized vaccination schedule based on benefit verses risk. However, it doesn’t end there. In order for your dog to reach its highest potential for great health there are a few other vital ingredients. The steps listed below are meant for every dog and they are required ingredients in order to complete the recipe for a healthier, happier dog. Failure to implement any one of these steps could very well undermine your overall efforts. Its been said that a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. Take that first step today and you’ll be well on your way to helping your dog reach new heights of wellness.

Step 1) Water is an essential nutrient for your dog. They need clean fresh water. There have literally been thousands of toxic chemicals detected in our water supply. Impurities and chemical additives such as chlorine and fluoride can be potentially harmful to your dog. To avoid the containments in your tap water, provide bottled spring water or invest in a high quality water filter. Use stainless steel bowls as they are inexpensive, durable, easy to wash and are less likely to harbor bacteria than plastic or ceramic bowls. Replace water daily and thoroughly wash their bowls frequently with hot, soapy water. Keep in mind that giving your pet the best water in the world won’t mean a thing if it’s placed in a dirty bowl. Water is the basis of all life and we shouldn’t overlook its importance. Understand that providing your pet the highest quality water you can is not pampering your pet it’s protecting your pet.

Step 2) Exercise is important for your dog. All dogs need some physical activity in order to live a healthy vital life. Pets can receive the same benefits from exercise that humans do. A regular exercise routine can relieve stress, improve digestion, tone muscles, increase circulation and help maintain a healthy weight. Obesity in dogs is on the rise and an inactive lifestyle contributes greatly to this problem. Its been reported that up to 60% of all adult dogs are overweight. This should not be taken lightly as obesity is linked to all kinds of health issues such as heart and respiratory problems. It can complicate existing disorders that your dog may have and the burden of carrying excess pounds can lead to torn ligaments and worn down joints. Make no mistake, those extra pounds can shorten your dog’s life. So, get started today. You and your dog will benefit from the increased interaction and it will make for a more emotionally, mentally sound dog. You may want to consult with a vet on an exercise program that will specifically meet your dog’s needs. Regardless, use common sense. Start slow if your dogs are not use to exercise. Be careful not to over do it. Just like humans, dogs can get sore muscles and suffer from exhaustion too.

Step 3) Dental care is probably the most overlooked area of a dog’s health and yet it is one of the most important aspects of pet health care. It has been shown that an effective dental care program can actually add years to your dog’s life. You can be certain that oral health effects overall health. Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, a staggering 80% of dogs will show signs of dental disease by the age of three. This not only makes your dog susceptible to having bad breath, it also leaves them open to possible pain and tooth loss. A more serious condition could arise because bacteria from a chronic infection can enter the bloodstream, potentially effecting vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys. Symptoms of gum disease can be persistent bad breath, inflamed bleeding gums, yellow brown buildup of tartar along the gum line, reluctance to chew or drink and broken teeth. Begin a home dental care routine today. Brushing your dog’s teeth is the single most effective way to maintain healthy teeth. It is best to brush daily and be sure to use toothpaste specially formulated for dogs.

Step 4) Environment is defined as the circumstance, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded. What’s your dog’s environment like? Is it safe? Is it free of pollution? Is it stress free? We must begin to investigate our dog’s home environment because it’s just one more factor that affects our dogs overall health. To protect our dogs fully we must not overlook the chemicals and pollution found in our air, water, soil and homes. Environmental factors such as these can weaken and compromise our dog’s immune systems by the build up of toxins in their bodies. Become aware of potential hazards in your home. Are you unknowingly using household cleaning supplies that contain harsh, toxic chemicals? Know that because your dog stays in close contact with the ground they are more likely to pick up residues from these products. What substances do you use on your lawn? Pesticides can and should be avoided, as there are plenty of organic compounds available that are safe for controlling pests and for keeping your lawn healthy. I feel it is vitally important for us to understand the relationship between all things interconnected in our environment. Consider the following examples. What have we really gained if we took the time to provide our dogs a high quality grain free diet void of chemicals and preservatives, but then gave them cheap treats that contain wheat, bone meal and harmful preservatives like BHA? Whatever gains we might have received from the better food are now negated by the poor quality treats. We have now defeated our purpose. If we make an effort to provide our pet organic bedding to safeguard against allergenic substances but then turn around and wash that bedding in a detergent that contains dyes and perfumes have we really made any improvement? So again, it is in our dog’s best interest that we take into consideration their surroundings and put some thought into how it may affect their overall health. There is a reason they say prevention is the best medicine.