Becoming a Dog Owner
Nearly five years ago my Partner and I made the HUGE decision to invest our-complete-selves into becoming Dog Owners. For me, I was incomplete without my canine friend, for my Partner it was about seeing me happy and sharing the magical times that come with owning a dog. Our dog is a male Golden Retriever called Ripley. He is a well-travelled dog, he has an unusual arsenal of games he likes to show guests, and albeit he is today a happy and healthy dog, like most dogs – he has had his up’s and down’s along the way. The best tool I continue to invest in to support my continued training and education as a dog owner is…. Dogs Monthly Magazine. It never bore’s me: every month it has new important updates to keep your dog happy and healthy, whilst adding tools to build the bond between you and your dog.
Ill health support from the Professionals
They have a section in the Magazine called ‘K9 Queries’. Dog owners write in and ask the Professionals (and there is a huge list!) just about anything regarding their dog. I am constantly amazed by the consistent message from the Professionals when it comes to improving a dogs health, so-much-so that this month I had to share with you.
| Dog condition | Pro Dog Advice | Pro human advice |
| Bloat | Smaller meals Don’t eat straight after walk |
Avoid certain foods Eat slower |
| Depression | Bach flower essence | Antidepressants (prescription) |
| Bladder stones | Diet | Surgery |
| Insomnia | Brain food supplement Create a cosy den Melatonin supplement |
CBT Sleeping tablets (prescription) |
| Fear | Licking and chewing games | CBT Antidepressants (prescription) |
| Dry coat and skin | Reduce protein Eat more fish |
Topical cream (prescription) |
IMPORTANT NOTE: In all cases see GP/Vet to discuss symptoms and to explore if other steps to diagnosis of symptoms is necessary. Limited details listed above and are by no means conclusive of the information given. Do not use to treat.
Why are the dog health Professionals giving more natural advice than human health professionals? Is it because as humans we have ‘choice’ and we may choose to not take the ‘natural’ advice given by our GP’s? And our dogs have limited choice? Why do we believe the more natural way will alleviate our dogs issues, but if we had the identical symptoms we would reach for the Pharmaceuticals? Do dog health professionals have more training in nutrition than GP’s? An interesting debate maybe?
