What 58 percent of dog lovers forget to do

If someone told you that there is a simple way to add years to my dog's life, would you jump on the offer? I definitely would! 

The reason why I am asking is that based on our quiz, called Are you your dog's best friend, when it comes to holistic healing 58 percent of people do not take advantage of this simple and inexpensive way to extend your dog’s life.

What most people forget

From what I see, most of you already understand the importance of non-processed food, all-natural, essential supplements, the importance of a regular cleanse and the benefits of measuring your dog's mineral levels and toxins with hair testing. But even if you did all of those things, there is one more thing that is a more common cause of losing a dog than even cancer - loss of mobility.

When dogs are young keeping them mobile is easy. They are full energy, love to play and life is good. But when they reach five to seven-years-old, the odd lameness shows up and by the time dogs turn 10, most of them have serious mobility issues. Soon many of these dogs are euthanized because they can't get up and move and are in too much pain.

Often injuries are undetected until there are some serious mobility issues and then dogs get put on harmful NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that block pain, but also block the natural healing process. These drugs also cause liver and kidney disease. Usually, they stop working to help with pain as well.  

Research also suggests that omega fatty acids are as effective for inflammation as NSAID’s, without the side-effects.

There is one more thing that 58 percent dog lovers do not do.

Realign, adjust and strengthen their dog’s body!

You see, most dogs have mobility issues, not because of some sort arthritis on its own. In fact, arthritis is usually secondary to injuries, muscle inflammation and weakening. 

Some people object,  saying they exercise their dogs, but trust me it is not enough to take your dog to the park or on a hike. We see the same problem in people. I have dear friends who are starting to shuffle and weaken at the age of 70. They do not seem to understand they need core strengthening, stability exercises and targeted cardio to remain strong. A game of tennis, golf or the odd ‘easy does it’ yoga class are not enough. In the same way, walks in a park with no hills will not make a dog stronger.

I also know others who can still run a marathon at the age of 86, like my friend Betty Jean Hughes from North Vancouver. The reason she can do this is because she does persistent, daily, targeted exercise and strengthening in addition to a good diet and  essential supplements.

One thing I hope I can ask you for

Please connect with an experienced physical and rehabilitation therapist, a chiropractor, acupuncturist or an osteopath in an early stage of your dog's life. As your dog ages, you will start seeing the huge difference focused strengthening can do. Everyone knows that starting saving early for retirement is the right thing to do.

Starting to care for your dog's mobility early is no different. It is like the savings account with great interest!

My dog Skai is now 15 and I am grateful that he is the most mobile and playful 15-year-old I have seen in my 28 years of being a veterinarian. 

This is good, but also bad news because based on the quiz 58 percent of people do not do any rehab, chiro or strengthening with their dogs.

And while some of you may live far away from these healthcare professionals, most people live near at least one animal practitioner. It is true that not every practitioner has the same skills, but when you talk to other dog lovers in your area, you are very likely to find someone good and add years to your canine friend’s life. 

Plus

There is also my Health and Longevity Course for Dogs that provides you with more details on how to keep your dog healthy, cut back on drugs, chemicals and expensive vet bills.

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM