Why Your Dog Is So Important To Your Health

If you, like me, are an animal lover, then you may already know this; having a pet is actually good for your health. Really good in fact!

They boost your mood

This one may seem obvious, as we all get very attached to our dogs, but they're a serious mood booster! If you take just 15 minutes of your day to play with your dog, research has proved that you will feel much happier for the rest of the day. Many people will point to the fact that they play with their dogs for much longer, too. Research has also proved that dogs provide companionship on the same level as human companionship.

Forget medicine!

The British Journal of Health carried out studies that found people with dogs were on average far healthier than those without. The dog owners had lower cholesterol and had fewer heart attacks. They also, on average, took less medicine and had fewer medical problems. Which leads me onto my next point...

Dogs keep you on the move

Your dog encourages you to exercise and stay fit. If you have a medium to large dog, you should be walking it at least one time per day. Therefore dog owners tend to be healthier and fitter than their non-dog owning counterparts.

Introvert to Extrovert

Dogs increase your sociability tenfold. It has been proven that dogs make you more approachable and more social. They even help people get over being shy. All this contributes to a healthier and happier you.

Stress Relievers

Picture the scene: It's been a long day at work. You're tired. You're frustrated. You need to unwind. Some of us sit down and put the television on. But those of us with dogs find comfort in the four-legged pals. Dogs have been proven to provide much-needed stress relief to their owners. They are the ultimate masters in helping us relieve stress and feel calmer.

Think of your kids!

Children with dogs in their home have fewer sick days, a better immune system and are in general far healthier than those without dogs.

Cancer... Check... Arthritis... Check

Those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis will move and play more often if they have a dog. What's more, humans and dogs get the same types of cancer. This means that we discover more about the disease from studying dogs. Dogs really are helping us in the discovery and cure of cancer!

So as you can see, a dog in the home can lead to health benefits that you may have never even realized.

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Dealing With a Dog's Destructive Chewing

It is one of life's greatest joys to know the love and companionship of a dog. They follow you around with deep admiration in their eyes. They get excited when you come home. A lick on the face and the wagging of their tail confirms that you are everything good in the world to them. Such a simple and complete love.

At times, however, living with a dog can also be one of life's greatest frustrations. Dogs chew. It's instinctive to their nature, and until you teach them otherwise, they see no difference between your couch and a chew toy. To them, it all looks like fair game for a chew session.

There are several reasons a dog will chew. You have to understand first why he's chewing before you can determine how best to handle it. A young dog will chew to relieve the pain caused by incoming teeth. This teething phase is usually complete by the age of six months.

But your dog's chewing behavior will not necessarily end once your dog passes the age of six months. A dog's mouth and whiskers are, for all intents and purposes, his hands and fingers. He will use them to explore and understand the world around him. He must have some way to find out what tastes good, what stings, and what bites back.

Grannick's Bitter Apple

You can use deterrent sprays on objects you do not want your dog to chew, but it cannot be your sole means of addressing destructive chewing. Your dog will also need to learn what it is okay to chew. When you catch him chewing something he is not allowed to chew, intervene with a sharp "no" and give him a bone, rawhide or toy that he is allowed to chew. Then praise him. Eventually, he will make the connection that it is okay to choose some things, but not others.

Adult dogs instinctively chew to keep their teeth clean and jaws strong. But sometimes, chewing can become excessive. Some of the top reasons for excessive chewing in dogs are:

Boredom

Lack of exercise

Separation anxiety

Many dogs will chew excessively when they are bored or have pent-up energy. The quickest and most effective defense against chewing from boredom is to give them plenty of exercise. Get outside and take long walks. Let them enjoy playtime with other dogs. Keep your dog's mind engaged through training exercises. Playing fetch and tug with him will help burn off excess energy.

Chewing can be a sign of separation anxiety. One of the best ways to help deal with it is to make sure your dog has plenty of chew toys, bones or rawhide available to him whenever you must leave him. 

We might wish otherwise, but sometimes we must leave our dogs at home for extended periods of time. At least until you get his destructive chewing under control, use a crate or confine him to a small area like a bedroom when you leave. The laundry room is not recommended because there are too many tempting smells to try to taste in there.

Whether he's home alone or you are with him, make sure any shoes and clothing are put away. Shut the closet and bathroom doors. And, most importantly, give him things that he is allowed to chew. You can find many great toys and treats online. By reading buyer reviews, you can determine which toys stand up to aggressive chewing.

Do not give your dog cooked bones or any bones from fowl, such as chicken. These bones are dangerous. They have a tendency to splinter, which can cause harm to your dog's mouth, throat and entire digestive system.

If your dog is eating strange things and nothing you do works to divert his behavior, see your vet. He may be suffering from a nutritional deficiency or a gastrointestinal issue.

If you take care of your dog by giving him lots of exercise and long-lasting, durable toys to chew, you will spend many more of your days enjoying his love and adoration rather than suffering through the frustration of inappropriate chewing.

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Exactly When Is A Dog Thought Of As A Senior?

Unfortunately dogs will age much more rapidly than we humans do, and it is painful to see them as they get older. The time it takes for this to happen will vary by breed, but generally speaking the larger the breed, the faster it happens.

Statistics tell us that only 13 per cent of the larger breeds live past 10 years, and 38 per cent of the smaller breeds live over ten years. Dogs are considered to be in their senior years when they are in the final 25% of their lives. We can also tell, as they slow down quite a bit, and are not nearly as active as they once were.

It is a good idea to keep in close contact with your veterinarian, as dogs develop arthritis and other maladies as they age. Your vet may have some good ideas on what to feed your dog too, as the need for lots of protein will diminish as the dog becomes less active.

It is important that your dog still gets a good amount of exercise, but just not as much running as your dog was probably used to when he or she was in their younger years. Walks with a leash would be the ideal exercise, and of course, you will be getting some exercise too, so there will be a double benefit.

Exercise will keep your dog's muscles and breathing in good shape, and there will be limited impact as far as joints go. Your dog will be wanting to lay around more, but will relish the opportunity to go on walks.

When dogs get older, they are more tuned into being with their people, and when you care for your dog they really appreciate it. You may have to bring the food to the dog as they decline, but when it happens, the dog will be fine with it, if that is how it has to be. Sometimes it will require help in getting outside to do their business, as some dogs will get lame as they get older.

Senior dogs become more and more dependent on their people as they age, and it seems a shame, and yet it is an honor to repay a loyal and steadfast friend for the years of companionship and love. It is the least we can do for such a fine friend in their latter years.

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