Pet Wellness

October is National Pet Wellness Month. This month is often dedicated to preventative health such as vaccinations and parasite prevention, but there is much more to wellness than just that!

The Oxford Dictionary defines wellness as “the state of being in good health,” which could also be phrased as “free from disease."

There are many factors that go into being well. Some factors we can’t change, like our genetics, but many factors can be influenced by our choices. Here are some things we can choose to improve our pet’s wellness:

·        Maintain a lean body weight

·        Provide high quality nutrition

·        Support a healthy immune system

·        Provide mental stimulation

·        Allow for appropriate exercise to maintain muscle

·        Maintain a healthy gut microbiome

Microbiome testing and rebalancing is a newer field of treatment, but the studies in the last few years have revealed its massive importance to health! Studies have shown that gut microbiome health is linked to the health of many organs including the skin (i.e. itchy dogs), kidneys, brain, liver and immune system. Researchers have also discovered links between the gut microbiome and inflammatory pathways. That means that a healthy gut could even reduce pain!

Consider microbiome testing and balancing as part of your pet’s wellness plan if they:

·        Have chronic vomiting or diarrhea

·        Are itchy

·        Have kidney or liver disease

·        Have a seizure disorder

·        Are elderly

·        Are painful

·        Have been diagnosed with any chronic disease

·        Have had many rounds of antibiotics in their life (especially recently!)

Dr. Jacki Dantzler

Dr. Dantzler offers virtual microbiome testing, balancing and wellness support. If you are interested in getting your pet’s gut health in tip-top shape, you can email her at consultaholisticvet@gmail.com or visit holisticvetadvice.com for more information.