A few days ago, I posted a simple question on our Facebook page: If you could have only one wish for your dogs, what would it be?
A few days later, we have close to two hundred replies. I am happy to say that there are many people like you and I. We know that dog-less folks have no idea how much they are missing out on by not living with a dog. It would be hard for them to understand the depth and the extraordinary nature of the canine soul.
I could easily write an essay on this topic, but I feel that there is no need for this. You and I know that dogs are simply "the bestest friends" we could ever dream up.
Eight most common wishes that people have for their dogs
#8 People wish that dogs could speak
Yes, we humans would love it if our best friends could speak, but I feel that their eyes, their open grins with their tongue hanging out, and their tail wags already speak a thousand words.
There is also no guarantee that the ability to speak would turn our sweet and bellowed dogs into "mouthy teenagers!"
At the same time, I confess I would love to have a conversation with my dog. I would love to know how he feels, why he worries, and what makes him happy. It would be really fun. Does anyone have an idea how to make a canine-to-English translator?
#7 Never judge dogs based on the appearance and breed
I feel really sad to see that dog racism is still prevalent and that certain breeds, for example, pitbulls, have become the hostages of human ignorance, abuse, and misperception. I have seen many pitbulls in my veterinary practice, and most of them are sweet and gentle goofballs! You and I know that the people are the problem.
#6 Life without seizures
It is really sad to see the increasing rate of epilepsy in dogs, which appears to be frequently related to increased levels of heavy metals and toxins in the body.
The most common cause of epilepsy are mercury buildup (the common sources are fish diets and oils), head and collar injuries, brain tumors, and nutritional deficiencies. If you wish to learn more about seizures, click here.
#5 Drug-Free Life
I am so happy to see this wish on the list. There are still some people who think that using toxic chemicals can create health, but the majority of dog lovers understand that using prescription drugs should be the last, not the first, resort. It is no different than trying to clean up a lake by pouring sewage in it!
The canine body has an amazing ability to heal if we do not suppress the symptoms, but rather detox, nourish the body, and balance the energy. You can learn more from this Healing Cycle video.
#4 Being Pain and Cruelty-Free
When we hurt or get hurt, we can tell others. When dogs hurt, sometimes people do not pick up on it, or they have no one to tell. For example, many people have no idea that when dogs chew and scratch, they are in fact in pain. People also do not understand that the wrong exercise, such as extensive ball chasing or jumping, can cause undetected injuries that cause pain and shorten our dogs' lives.
There are still some people who use shock collars, which cause pain and injuries. Sadly, there are also those who take their pain and dysfunction out on their dogs in the form of physical abuse, which must not be tolerated.
When it comes to injury-related pain, you should try alleviating it without drugs that cause stomach ulcers and liver and kidney disease. You can learn about keeping your dog healthy and mobile here:
Seven steps to treating arthritis naturally
Video on exercising senior dogs.
#3 Happy Life
Some people think that happiness comes with excess and that if life is not full of fireworks, it is not good enough. Dogs are different. They show us that genuine happiness comes from within. They are happy even when they do the same things over and over every day. They welcome every day with wagging tails and big smiles that stretch from ear to ear. Our task is to keep them occupied and make them feel loved, safe, healthy, and pain-free. That is what canine happiness is about!
#2 Good Health
I think of this one every day. Good health is a combination of 20 percent good genes and 80 percent making the right decisions and focused effort. Nobody can say with absolute certainty that a dog will not get a serious illness.
However, you can be certain that your dog has much greater chances to be healthy and live longer if you apply the principles of holistic healing and nutrition.
Here are a few important articles about how to do it:
Holistic approach to vaccination
#1 Longer life
It is not a surprise that this one is a winner! Every dog lover wants to stop time, and we all wish for our dogs to live longer. Deep in my heart, I am no exception, but here is another thought. If dogs lived as long as we did, some of them would survive their guardians. It would be even harder to leave them behind. It may be that the shorter life span of our best friends is no coincidence. They teach us about how important it is to spend time with those we love and that not a single minute should be taken for granted.
With this said, there are many things that can make our dogs' lives longer. If you follow these few simple steps, you will increase the chances of adding years to your dog's life!
If you are wondering what I give to my dog, click here.
© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM
