The term “holistic” has grown in popularity over the past years. As a caring pet parent, you may think of it as a healthy way of life. Which it is! In fact, “holistic” is commonly thought of as an approach that treats the mind, body and spirit, characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
Holistic health looks at the diet, environment and lifestyle to see if there are opportunities to improve upon it. August 30th is National Holistic Pet Day, and it’s the perfect opportunity to consider our pet’s whole health – from nutrition to any chronic conditions. Your vet may offer natural approaches to health care such as massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and other noninvasive medical procedures. These are becoming more common for both people and pets.
Here are Four Ways to Help Your Pet Live a More Holistic Life, courtesy Holistic Select Cat & Dog Foods:
Keep Your Pet at a Healthy Weight.
There remains an epidemic of obese pets and if your pet is one of them, be aware that even a couple of extra pounds can put a lot of stress on your pet’s body. Many pets will benefit from more frequent walks for multiple reasons – weight control, increased socialization and more bonding time with you.
Practice Doga.
If you practice yoga at home, you know that the minute you roll out your mat, your dogs come running. Let them practice with you! In fact, doga (yoga with your dog) classes are popping up in parks around the country. Look for one near you where you can learn how to incorporate Fido into your downward facing dog.
Regular Grooming.
While you may rely on your groomer to do the heavy lifting, your pet needs the in between maintenance sessions. Regular brushing removes loose and dead hair and keeps tangles to a minimum. There’s another benefit too. If you regularly take a few minutes to run your hands over your pet from nose to tail, you’re more apt to notice any unusual lumps. If you find anything, pay attention to it and make an appointment with your vet to make sure it’s nothing serious.
Nutrition.
Just as with humans, diet and nutrition are at the cornerstone of good health. Paying attention to it now – even if it costs a tad bit more – could save you money, pain and grief down the road.
National Holistic Pet Day was started by Animal Advocate Colleen Paige of Animal Miracle Foundation to raise awareness of this integrative approach which can lead to a longer and healthier life span. How will you celebrate this year?
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