Essential Pet Health
When it comes to our dogs we do everything we can to keep them happy and healthy! But what are the essentials?
At the most basic level, as dog owners we must ensure the following:
- Freedom from thirst and hunger
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
- Freedom from fear and distress
Also known as ‘the five freedoms’ this allows us to think about different aspects of our dogs’ lives and how we can meet their needs. Some are easy to fulfil, for example, freedom from thirst and hunger, whilst others can be more difficult.
It is every dog owner’s worst nightmare to have a sick or injured animal and diagnosis and treatment can often be a long process. Therefore, preventative healthcare is one of the best things we can do for our four-legged family members.
How can we keep our dogs healthy?
A complete diet that provides everything your dog needs is essential for health, whether this is wet, dry or raw food it must be balanced. Fresh drinking water should also be available and all food and water bowls should be cleaned regularly to avoid any build-up of bacteria. It is important to prevent dogs from eating anything that could be harmful to their health and we must also do our best to keep them at a healthy weight.
Exercise is important for both physical and mental health, and so is rest. Not only will a comfortable place to relax and sleep help your dog to feel safe and calm, it will support their body which is particularly important for dogs with joint issues. Wash the bed regularly to keep it clean and free from dust.
Many owners also add supplements to their dog’s diet to prevent problems in the future or to alleviate current symptoms.
Is turmeric essential for dog health?
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that also supports anti-inflammatory mechanisms so can be used to support daily activity which helps to reduce the risk of any issues in the future, such as joint pain.
What people tend not to realise is that hard exercise is not only damaging to joints but also can impact directly on the muscles involved. And, of course, dogs love to run; and various types of exercise can impact on muscle integrity.
Turmeric (with its terpenoids (essential oils) and curcuminoids) can support the cycle in the anti-inflammatory phase and so help the body control inflammation more efficiently. In the case of activity this leads to less inflammatory dysfunction around activity, improved recovery times and, in the case of energy release, supports insulin sensitivity.
Further, throughout the body turmeric components, acting as antioxidants help maintain normal metabolic function against the negative effects of inefficient biochemical reactions. In short, turmeric supports wellbeing by helping the body achieve optimum function.
Turmeric contains components that have a wide variety of metabolic actions but, in simple terms, help the body’s natural support and repair mechanisms. As such, turmeric is an ideal supplement for any life situation for dogs which is why many owners class our pet range as essential for pet health.
