PREVENTATIVE CARE
Promoting A Happier & Healthier Animal
By Rod McCann
Now, as daylight stretches well into the evening hours and as spirits lift with each warming degree, there is no better time to do away with old, unhealthy habits that prevent us from being our best selves. This includes doing right by our four-legged friends. This summer is the perfect time to introduce Whole-Pet Wellness to the lives of our dogs and cats and keep them perfectly healthy from nose to tail.
If our approach to health care is reactive rather than proactive, the consequences can be dire. Therefore, getting out in front is critical. The objective and practice of Whole-Pet Wellness is a simple one: Practicing Pet Care Wellness will lead to happier, more full-filling lives. Just as we look to doctors and medical experts for sound advice for our health and wellness, our pets can say the same.
Bob Goldstein, VMD, also known as Dr. Bob, is a co-founder and head of product innovation and development at Earth Animal. He is credited with formulating over one hundred products, including foods, supplements, remedies, and treats. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine. Working with his life partner Susan, they have significantly contributed to the Science of Whole Pet Wellness and Practicing Preventative Pet Health Care. In addition, they are the co-authors of The Goldstein’s Wellness and Longevity Program for Animals and winners of the Dog Writer’s Association Maxwell Medallion Award. Dr. Bob is also the editor and co-author of the textbook, Integrating Complementary Medicine Into Veterinary Practice, published by Wiley Blackwell.
BODY, MIND & SPIRITIt’s fine to talk about whole pet wellness, but what is it? According to Dr. Bob, “it embodies the concern and cares for the animal’s body, mind, and spirit. It aims to empower pet parents with a range of products and services to help them achieve wellness and healing objectives.” Like humans, we need to get the trivial things right to maximize our pet’s health potential. This includes a wholesome diet consisting of humanely raised proteins and organic fruits and vegetables, vitamin and mineral supplementation, safe side-effect-free flea and tick prevention, clean water, daily exercise, and emotional balance support.
We can all recognize dogs with nervous dispositions. They startle easily, withdraw or tremble for no apparent reason. There can be many factors contributing to such behaviors. If left unchecked, it could lead to aggression, depression, and apathy and become chronic. Fortunately, with preventative pet healthcare, the condition is treatable and preventable. According to Dr. Bob, “these conditions respond favorably to flower essences which are liquid plant and flower remedies. Flower essences work to balance the emotions and often reach the source of the decision making causing the reaction.” Of course, it also helps to create an environment at home full of positive energy.
One only must walk down the main street of any town in the USA to see that obesity has become a significant health issue for the public, young and old. This can also be a real cause for concern for our pets, for many of the same reasons. Many common pet foods in grocery stores are high in saturated fats and non-nutritious calories and fillers. The good news is that the remedy can be quite straightforward.
QUALITY FOOD
Dr. Bob recommends that “a selection of wholesome, high protein food is the best place to start when dealing with obesity or its prevention. Adding vitamin B6, organic apple cider vinegar (added to the drinking water), enzyme supplements, and nutrients such as L-carnitine will help speed up metabolism.” And with warmer temperature, there is no excuse for not getting outside with your pet, taking in some fresh air, and exercising for a minimum of 20 minutes per day.
Good dental hygiene practices are also crucial in keeping your pet comfortable and the positive impact it has on the body and immune system. Dr. Bob recommends daily brushing using natural dental products and offering “healthy chews that are designed to remove plaque and herbs specific for oral hygiene, such as Earth Animal’s Clean Mouth, Gums & Breath.” This contains Myrrh Gum, Echinacea Purpurea Leaf, Goldenseal Root, Licorice Root, and other essential herbs, oils, and fruits.
It may be easy to overlook your pets’ ears; however, they tell us about their overall health. According to Dr. Bob, “allergic reactions show up in the ears, particularly to protein and adverse effects to insecticides and pesticides ingested or topical use for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.” The best supplement for ear health is to use a natural antibiotic such as bee propolis and acidophilus with an excellent herbal ear wash.
The time for falling back is outdated. Take a leaf out of Dr. Bob’s book and spring forward with Whole-Pet Wellness and Practicing Preventative Pet Health Care.
For more information on Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein and Earth Animal, visit earthanimal.com
