Holistically approaching your dog’s health can be beneficial for their longevity and help them live a better-quality life. Natural pet care for your dog involves a whole life perspective that includes nutrition, dental care, grooming, mental health, and stress management. This is especially important because most dogs live indoors and have their food given to them, unlike their ancestors that lived in the wild and hunted for their food.
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Dog nutrition
The nutrition your dog receives from the diet you provide is important to their health and avoiding health risks. Some people decide to give their dogs a raw diet or homemade. Most people feed their dog packaged food, either wet, dry, or a mixture of both. There is an array of choices, usually based on the age of your pup (puppy, adult, or senior), sensitivities (digestive issues or allergies) or it features a unique kind of food – like grain-free.
Homemade dog food
- This diet features a wider variety of foods and includes a mixture of protein, vegetables, and good fats
- This diet is a good choice if you want to know exactly what your dog is eating
- Dogs usually prefer homemade food to commercial dog food
- You will not know for sure if the meals are nutritionally balanced and will need to offer a supplement
- Requires a substantial time investment to cook for your dog
Raw food
- A raw food diet is made of unprocessed ingredients and your dog will get all the nutrition they offer
- This diet is closest to that of a wild, ancestral dog and closest to the biological diet of a dog
- This can be a risky diet since raw foods can contain pathogens
- Raw food is perishable and requires more work to make sure it is safe to eat
Commercial dog food
- Available as canned or packaged wet food or packaged dry food
- Nutrition is balanced and measured with every meal
- Dry and wet dog food is available in a range of choices that meet your dog's needs
- Convenient to give your dog because it requires no preparation
- This is the most cost-effective option
Nutritional Dog Supplements
This brings us to making your dog has nutritional completeness daily. Their meals should include the following or you can give them a supplement that helps to bridge the gap
Essential fatty acids – Just like humans, dogs need good fats in their diet – this is involved in the proper formation of cell membranes, hormones support, pain regulation, cardiovascular support, skin health, and digestive function. Omega 3 fatty acids are also anti-inflammatory and support anti-aging. It is best to give them wild salmon oil and other fish oils since they absorb these best.
Digestive support – digestive enzymes and probiotics should be included in their meals. This can help support immune function, reduce the risk of allergy development, and support digestion. Also, if your dog has issues such as flatulence, itchy skin, too much shedding, or body odor – probiotics can help. Traditional Chinese medicine can also help your dog with digestive functions including the herbal formula Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan
Dental Care
Oral hygiene is an important part of your dog’s health. According to the American, Veterinary Dental College has indicated that a majority of dogs have signs of canine periodontal disease. Here are a few ways you can care for your dog’s dental health:
- Brush your dog’s teeth
- Not a fan of brushing? Try dog tooth wipes
- Dental treats
- Dog chews
- Have your vet give them a professional cleaning.
Grooming
The most important part of grooming your dog naturally is making sure that the shampoos and other products you use are made from natural and non-toxic ingredients.
Brushing – Regular brushing keeps them clean and helps to spread their natural oils, so their fur has a healthy shine.
Bathing – use a shampoo that is made specifically for dogs and make sure it does not contain these harmful ingredients: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Parabens, Formaldehyde, and Synthetic Dyes.
Protect their paws – moisturize your dog’s paws with a healing balm that can help with cracked or calloused paw pads. This is especially important in very cold or hot weather – make sure the ingredients are as natural as possible as dogs lick their paws.
Nails - Make sure their nails are trimmed regularly by yourself or a groomer.
Mental Stimulation
Dogs need a certain amount of mental stimulation to be in good physical health and avoid behavioral issues. Dogs bred to work, or herd is particularly susceptible to this need – because they were bred to have a job. A few ways to stimulate your dog’s mind:
Teach them a new trick – this provides your dog with a mental challenge.
Play with your dog – with toys or games.
Take your dog on errands – taking your dog in the car or a walk in your community will change your dog's environment – sights, sounds, and smells.
Take a long walk or hike – this will help stave off boredom.
Socialize your dog – meeting new people or to dogs at a dog park.
Mental health and stress management
Dogs have mental illnesses too and according to a study by Emory University – they are very similar to humans. Dogs can experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues. Besides, research shows that dogs that are fearful and anxious experience shorter lifespans. Here are some common mental health issues:
Separation anxiety
When a dog panics if they suspect they will be left alone it is often separation anxiety. Signs of this include barking frantically, destructive behavior, or housebreaking accidents.
Social Anxiety
Neglect is often the cause of social anxiety and when dogs were abused this way it can result in crippling anxiety or aggression.
Anxiety due to noise
Loud noises such as thunderstorms and fireworks can startle a dog and cause stress and sudden behavioral changes as in other anxieties.
Dogs with anxiety symptoms:
- Hiding
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Reduced activity
- Trembling
- Destructive behavior.
Depression and grief
Just like a person, dogs can experience depression except they cannot tell us. Signs of depression in dogs include behaving more lethargic than usual, sadder, or withdrawn.
Dogs with depression symptoms:
- Drastic weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced activity
- Lethargic
- More sleeping
- Less social
- Refusing treats or water
- Excessive shedding
- Sudden behavior changes.
OCD – Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Dogs with OCD often behave in strange ways and out of context. This is often towards objects such as their food bowl or a toy. They can also repeat certain behaviors such as tail chasing, digging, or biting/chewing dog bowl.
PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This happens after a traumatic event – it could be caused by abuse or being attacked by another dog. This can cause them to act out when they experience similar situations and triggers.
Phobias and fears
Dogs can develop a phobia to a range of experiences including stray dogs, heights, vacuum cleaners, loud noises, and water. Dogs that are exhibiting this kind of fear will do so by shivering, panting, drooling, eliminating, and escaping the situation.
Some of the ways to help:
- Spot signs of distress
- Exercise your dog
- Massage your dog
- Give your dog space
- Do things your dog loves
- Talk to your veterinarian
- Try a natural supplement.
