Thursday, November 6, 2008

A Few Walks a Day... Keep the Vet & Pounds Away!

If your pet has the habit of hanging around the dinner table begging for a snack, it’s up to you to put an end to the behavior. Though it may be hard to ignore the adorable little face pleading for his share of your meal, be strong.

Table treats are one of the largest contributors to pet obesity, and can also pose a threat to your pet’s health, since many foods that are healthy for humans can be dangerous and even poisonous for pets. If your pet doesn’t stop this kind of behavior within a few weeks, be patient. Eventually, he’ll give up.

In today’s society, obesity is so prevalent in people; it’s not hard to believe that being overweight is a problem that now concerns pets, too. It is estimated that 48% of all pets in America are obese, and it’s no surprise that pets that are obese many times have obese owners. More and more pets are being put on diet and exercise routines to prevent life-threatening diseases caused by obesity such as osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and certain forms of cancer.

" We have to be sensitive to pets who have become accustomed to associating 'treats' with love and affection, and find other ways to show our love towards them. Many people who 'comfort eat' also inadvertently train their pets to do the same, with very unhealthy consequences, believing that they will be depriving their pets by withholding treats and junk food. Nothing could be further from the truth! Instead of offering that tidbit, caress your pet - you will both feel much better for it!"

- Michele Carelse,
Clinical Psychologist

Pets become overweight for the same reasons humans do-- high caloric intake and not enough exercise. Combined with other systemic imbalances that may be attributed to additives and preservatives found in modern pet food, it’s highly likely that your pet may be at risk for developing serious health conditions.

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Important points to consider that can help maintain your pet’s weight within a healthy range include rationing portion sizes, limiting treats, and making sure he or she is getting enough exercise.

Depending on your pet’s breed, weight, and age, your vet will recommend an estimated amount of calories that it should consume daily for healthy weight maintenance. To determine if your pet is overweight, a veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s build and overall appearance, rather than just the numbers on the scale.

If your pet is overweight, reducing calorie intake is the first step. Your vet will also recommend exercise. Ideally, most pets should exercise for about an hour every day (just like humans), which includes walking and playing. Based on the same factors as proper caloric intake—breed, weight, and age— with a little help from your vet, you can adjust physical activity accordingly.

If you have a dog, walks should be at least 20 minutes long, and even longer if your pet is overweight. Walk at a quick pace so both of you can enjoy the health benefits! If there’s a park or beach nearby where they are allowed, take them for a little jog, throw a ball, Frisbee, or stick and teach them to retrieve it. Many dogs love to play fetch! If the temperature is too hot, make sure to make walk early in the morning or in the evening since dogs to avoid dehydration.

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If you have a cat, depending on his lifestyle, he may enjoy playing indoors or outdoors. Combined with a healthy diet and provided he is active for what adds up to approximately an hour each day, kitty will maintain a healthy weight, too! Make sure your pet drinks plenty of fresh water-- especially after eating and playing-- and that food and water bowls are kept clean.

Natural remedies are not only for humans; herbal and homeopathic remedies can be used to help pets obtain optimal health as well! Milk thistle can help your pet’s liver function at its best, which is important since the liver has the task of metabolizing fat. Dandelion is also an excellent liver and gallbladder tonic, which also helps keep blood pressure within the healthy range.

With a little help from nature and some effort on your behalf, you can get your pet back in tip-top shape! This is something that will not only benefit your furry pal, but you as well – with increased health for yourself, and less veterinarian bills in the long run.

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Natural Moves for Pets™ For regular bowels and digestive system

Immunity & Liver Support™ Herbal tonic supports healthy immune system and liver functioning

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Start Supporting Pet Immunity NOW and Plan Preparations

Start Seasonal Protection Soon!
  • Boost Immunity NOW
  • Make Travel Arrangements Early
  • Weather-Related Conditions to Consider
It’s not too early to begin making pet preparations for the upcoming holiday season and winter weather. From boosting immunity to ensuring proper housing arrangements for your pet during seasonal travel, you can ease stressors for yourself as well as help sustain your pet’s health.

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Immunity & Liver Support
  • Supports healthy immune functioning
  • Maintains liver health
  • Aids systemic cleansing
  • Promotes vitality and balance in the body
  • Protecting Your Pet with Natural Support
When taken to temporary boarding places, pets are exposed to countless other animals – each with the potential to infect your healthy pet. The stress related to separation anxiety can also weaken your pet’s immune system, increasing susceptibility to illness. Herbal and homeopathic remedies can be safe and effective in not only helping protect against illness but also address symptoms that may occur.

You may find that giving your pet a maintenance dose of herbal and homeopathic support is beneficial as a preventative measure for continued health and well-being. Pets respond to natural medicine in different ways, and often optimal benefits can take 3-6 weeks to take effect. To ensure your pet receives full support, it is important to administer natural remedies as directed and remain consistent and start supporting health now.

Trip-Taking Tips

Whether you’re bringing your pet along for your holiday travels or boarding, you’ll need to make preparations either way. Advance reservations at kennels is often a necessity, and airlines sometimes require early arrival and extra pet travel fees, so find out and plan accordingly.

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  • Maintains nervous system balance while traveling
  • Supports digestive balance during car and air travel
Also, make arrangements for possible ill health scenarios, and have remedies on-hand or available to give to caretakers in case they are needed. When possible, leave the pet with friends or family, in an environment they are familiar and comfortable staying in to ease discomfort and promote good behavior.

If traveling by plane, always confirm pet regulations well in advance so that preparations can be made as necessary. Also, consult with a vet for proper feeding instructions based on your pet’s age, size, time and distance of the flight. Generally, traveling on an empty stomach is best. The day of travel, arrive at the airport early to allow your pet to exercise and adapt to the crate.

You can also make use of natural remedies to provide additional support for mood imbalances commonly experienced during travel. Many herbal and homeopathic ingredients are well known for their ability to provide effective relief without creating dependency or side effects.

Many animals become uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments, so minimizing disturbances or providing reassurance throughout the journey can be very helpful in easing anxiety or curbing aggression, which may result from fear of the unknown. Just as with children, providing pets with an item of comfort such as a blanket or feeding dish can help remind them of the safety and security of home.

Curbing Cold Weather Health Conditions

Similar to us, our pets’ immune systems function best when proper nutrition, rest, and exercise are in harmony. Therefore, making sure your pet is in top form prior to travel and harsh weather can help carry on health.

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PawPaw
  • Condition and nourish pets’ paws and pads
  • Keep paws healthy
  • Provide a soothing protective layer
Most likely, if your pet is kept indoors more, it will be exercising less and will require smaller portions of food. However, if it stays outdoors often, it may require additional food to burn calories needed to produce body heat.

Aside from nutrition and exercise, other physical conditions must be considered. Abrupt changes in temperature can wreak havoc on tender paws and feet. Ice and salt used to treat sidewalks and roads can cause severe stress and discomfort, so care should be taken to provide relief for your little ones. Always wipe paws after a walk or spending time outdoors, and try an ointment or lotion to keep paws in top condition.

Natural remedies such as Calendula officinalis and Plantago lanceolata are known for soothing and conditioning pets’ paws and pads, preventing bruising, cracking and infection, while encouraging healing of small cuts and wounds and reducing inflammation. Keep your pet properly groomed, as matted hair will not protect against the cold.

Exposure to boarding places and harsh weather can also cause skin irritation. In addition, snowfall on the ground can conceal rough surfaces, debris, or other hazards. Hamamelis virginianum, Melissa officinalis, and Urtica urens are great for cleaning and disinfecting minor wounds, cuts, and scrapes, and also help disinfect fungal infections or contact with poison ivy (whose oil can still be present this time of year on dead or decaying leaves).

Lastly, but of great importance: be aware of your pet’s surroundings. Many people think the garage is a safe haven for pets during cold winter months. However, antifreeze is a common hazard to pets, as both dogs and cats are attracted to its sweet flavor. The chemical can be toxic in even small quantities, so be sure to check your car’s radiator and secure all supplies stored around the garage. Furthermore, be cautious about carbon monoxide. Never warm or start up your car in a confined space like the garage without first removing your pet.

By taking a little extra care at the start of the season, you can provide a strong foundation of health, wellness, and happiness for your pet in the year ahead.

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Wound Dr.™ Cleanses and soothes minor cuts, scrapes and irritations of all kinds

EasyTravel Solution™ Makes pet journeys a pleasant and easy experience for owners and pets

PetCalm™ Supports pet nervous system and harmony

Grief & Pining Formula™ Supports feelings of security during a visit to kennels or when owner is away

PawPaw™ Effective natural remedy for perfect pet paw health

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