Whether it’s the new year or the middle of July, it is never the wrong time to commit to leading a healthier, happier lifestyle.
It can be hard to stay on track though – especially when your friends and family aren’t going down the same path.
For those of us who are lucky enough to have a furry friend, there’s no need to commit to a better, healthier life alone. Rather, you can achieve your goal together!
With small changes in both your diets, sleep-patterns, activity, you and your pup can achieve the best results.
Diet
A healthy body starts with a healthy diet. Plain and simple.
Most people underestimate the power of food when it comes to the way our bodies function. However, the truth is that what we eat is (most of the time) directly correlated to how our bodies operate.
With that said, by eating the right types of food in the correct portions, you can provide your body with the power sources it needs to maintain a healthy physical AND mental state. The same goes for our pets, who benefit greatly from well balanced diets that are essential in maintaining proper nutrition.
By cutting out artificial and processed goods and replacing them with nutrient-rich foods, you can rid both you and your pet’s bodies of toxic and harmful ingredients that affect your energy levels, immunity, and digestion.
When it comes to snack-time, eliminating human food from your pets diet can not only help maintain a healthy figure, but a shiny coat as well. Healthy food alternatives that are safe for you and your dog to enjoy together are baby carrots, green beans, or even small slices of apples.
You can also use these foods to make a home cooked meals for you and your dog. You can learn more about Big, Bad Food Fads HERE.
Doctor and Veterinarian Checkups
To maintain and monitor your well-being, it is vital to see a doctor at least once a year to check for disease and body health. The same goes for our pets, who benefit from yearly physical examinations as well. (Twice a year for geriatric pets.)
Staying up-to-date on a yearly basis will not only help you both engage in preventative health care like vaccinations and pre-screenings, but it will also help you gauge your current status of health.
Note: Please be mindful of any and all changes that might occur for your pet. If your pet begins to exemplify abnormal symptoms or experience lethargy or loss of appetite in between check-ups, it is recommended that they be physical evaluated as soon as possible.
Daily Upkeep
When it comes to leading a healthier lifestyle, do not underestimate the power of proper hygiene and up-keep.
For us humans, this can mean showering, brushing our teeth, and brushing out our hair. In participating in a healthy daily up-keep, we are able to remain in pristine shape and decrease our chances of infection.
Such things are also essential for your pet to maintain a healthy lifestyle. By grooming your dog regularly, one of the many things you help promote is a healthy skin production through stimulation. Though it’s also great for removing bacteria, external parasites, and dead skin-cells.
Brushing your pet’s teeth is also crucial in preventing periodontal disease, which if left untreated can cause organ failure.
Note: If you are brushing your pet’s teeth, please make sure to use a dog-friendly toothpaste. DO NOT use human toothpaste as it is toxic to pets.
Sleep
On average, humans need about 6-8 hours of sleep to ensure optimal rejuvenation. Making sure you are getting the right amount of sleep every night is another great step in improving your health.
And get this – you don’t have to do that alone either! You can enjoy a luxurious sleep or a restful nap with your furry friend right at your side. (Because who doesn’t love a good, puppy cuddle-sesh?)
Though most dogs need about 12-14 hours of sleep a day, depending on their age, size, and breed. That being said, a dog will usually adapt to your sleep schedule. So if you’re getting eight hours of sleep a night, they will, too. The other hours can be supplemented by naps throughout the day!
Exercise
A body in motion stays in motion.
Incorporating exercise into you and your pet’s lives is crucial to leading a healthier way of life.
Not only does daily exercise help us maintain good shapes and decrease the chances of disease, but it also provides both you and your pet with a healthy dose of mental stimulation.
One of the great things about working out is that there are no set rules that dictate how you should sweat and so long as you remain safe, the possibilities are endless. You can do everything from going on a run, to visiting a dog park, playing in the backyard, hiking, or even doing yoga. These exercises are not only functional to activate your heart, they are also great ways to bond with your dog.
