Health care for animals includes many aspects. The first aspect is quality food and access to clean, fresh water. Many animals do not tolerate grains very well. Think about it – could you eat oatmeal or corn flakes for every meal, every single day of your life? Not only is it boring, but you would be missing out on essential nutrients for health. This goes for our pets too. Look for pet foods that do not list grains as the first, second, or third ingredient on the list. Foods that include meat are a better choice and will provide a higher level of nutrition. For animals that have skin and coat problems, your veterinarian should rule out any problems your pet may have. Then you can check out pet foods that are wheat, corn, and/or soy-free. 
     Many of these animals also benefit from the addition of oils to there diet. Adding fish oil, flax oil, or olive oil to the food can be helpful. Giving table scraps is often not a good idea. It usually just teaches the animal to beg during the family meal, making a nuisance of themselves. Instead, prepare your pet’s meal before or after the family has eaten, adding any nutritious leftovers at that time. Avoid giving your pets fried, greasy foods as this usually creates tummy distress. Leftover vegetables, fruit, and lean meat (no cooked bones please, as this can be a choking hazard) are good choices. Unless you want your pet to get fat quickly, it is best to leave out breads, biscuits, cookies and cake that could lead to sugar handling problems such as diabetes.
     Another aspect of health care for pets is their living and sleeping environment. These areas should be as pest-free as possible which will lessen the chances of parasite infestation, skin rashes, and secondary bacterial infections for your animal companions. A healthy immune system – developed by having a nutritious diet – is paramount to an animal being able to handle parasites on his own. The better quality nutrition he has, the better his immune system will be. Wash animal bedding just like you would wash your own. If your bedding gets washed once a week, your pet would benefit from having his washed too. For animals that live outside, remember that pests and parasites thrive in warm, moist areas so check for overgrown weeds and other obstacles that would encourage their growth. And to repeat myself, the better their diet is, the less likely it is for them to develop issues that require veterinary intervention.
     Your animal is a living creature and need routine care. This includes spaying and neutering animals, which can prevent many cancers that are seen in both male and female animals. Having pets is a long-term commitment and responsibility. The most important thing that you can provide for your furry companion is exercise, as well as daily, human contact. In a world that is getting faster and faster each day, our pets remind us to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasure of being in each other’s company.

     Visit Dr. Cassie at www.wellranch.com for more information about holistic care for horses, dogs, and cats! At Wellness Ranch we love our pets - we'll treat yours like family, too!