Dr-Trish.com

The Pillars of Health

by Trish Kallenbach DVM CVCP

What they go through...

The challenges facing the pets of today are much greater than those of our grandparents’ pets, and our care has to reflect that!!! Overpopulation, disease, environment, stress, diet, vaccines, medications and other chemicals, and mental and physical balance all play roles in the ever-changing lives of our pets.

Overpopulation propagates a number of diseases that are a critical factor to our pets’ health today. There are many responsible breeders out there, and I certainly don’t intend to lecture on pure vs. crossbred dogs (BOTH have benefits!). However, owners should think of the financial and other requirements before breeding their pets to ensure that they are able to provide them good homes FOR LIFE. Because most overpopulation is from accidental breeding,  spaying or neutering your pet really comes into play if you do not intend to breed it.

A healthy environment is another huge factor. Everything has an impact—healthy air (please don’t smoke in a house or vehicle with pets OR YOUR KIDS!!!), clean water, low stress level and an environment as free of internal and external toxins as we can make it. We must remember that the more stresses we can get out of our pet’s life (stress from their perspective!!), the better physical, physiological and emotional health they will have. (And we may well improve ours while we’re at it!)

Diet is an area rife with debate, with many contrary opinions. Proper nutrition is important regardless of the stage of life your pet is in. Eating right can prevent disease and save your pet much suffering. There are many benefits to providing fresh good quality ingredients and diminishing or eliminating chemicals such as preservatives, artificial colors, flavor enhancers, and synthetic vitamins and minerals. While our domesticated pets are different enough from their wild cousins that most can’t survive on a scavenger or predator diet, attention must still be given to their diets to provide them something other than generic kibble.

Cats and dogs are not herbivores, so primarily grain diets are, in my opinion, not desirable. Unfortunately, most of grocery and veterinary diets are as much as 85% by-product grains. Some owners feed their pets home-prepared diets very successfully, but that’s a diligent path to follow to self-balance your pet’s intake. For commercially available diets, choose brands that address these issues by offering “human grade” meat and appropriate low grain levels, avoiding wheat and corn and using naturally preservatives and whole food extracts for supplements wherever possible.

Vaccines, as well as medications and other chemicals are inundating our pets. Although the main diseases we wish to vaccinate for are life threatening and wide spread, vaccination remains a controversial issue with expert opinions ever changing as to how many and how often. Vaccines continue to provide a great benefit, but there is little to no proof of the value of repeated vaccination. Ask your veterinarian and educate yourself to make this decision. There often is not a set protocol, but more general recommendations that are tailored to your pet with its exposure, age, health, etc. factored in along with your vet’s opinions.

This decision process must be followed with conventional tests and medications as well. Be informed of why a test is run, what information is gleaned from its results and what effect that information might have on your pet’s treatment options. Be aware of the possible reactions or side effects and appropriate times of day to administer medications, whether with or without food and what to do if you miss a dose by hours or days.

 As with your own health and that of your children, you must have a veterinarian that you agree with and trust. We have many great veterinarians in this county and one will likely practice your style of medicine, whether that be conservative or aggressive. Will he be the decision maker on your pet’s behalf, or will he be the educator, presenting and explaining options but while relying on your final decision? There are many right ways to practice medicine, veterinary or other.

Learn about Maintenance Therapies for Optimal Life. The checkups, blood work, massage, manipulative (VOM), homeopathic and nutritional upkeep that your pet needs vary, and the frequencies at which these therapies are needed may change throughout the year and throughout your pets’ life. Get hands-on with your pet to better detect subtle changes so that you can alert your veterinarian earlier rather than later. This gives the added benefit of improving your relationship with your pet.

Know your pet’s breed and personality and provide the best type and amount of activity to keep him from developing behavioral problems as well as providing him with a good life. A bored pet is not a happy pet. Seek out walks, games, or classes in obedience, agility, tracking, etc. to provide adequate physical and mental activity.

Overall, plan to treat your pet with the necessary respect that is needed to help it live a great life. Learn more at www.dr-trish.com. Always consult a veterinarian regarding these and any therapies for your pet.

CHOOSE TO HEAL!