Raquel Wynn, Blog Entry 12/3:

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Health is cumulative. This is great news. It means that consistency is much more important than intensity when it comes to maintaining your dog's longevity. No need for long distances, high speeds, deprivation diets, or drastic behaviors. Keep your pup around for 15+ years by adopting a balanced wellness approach that includes movement, proper nutrition, minimizing toxins, socialization, and love.

In Stretch Your Dog Healthy I discuss movement options for your hound including stretching, massage, acupressure, and Fido-robics. I also touch on ways to keep Spot clean inside and out with a preventative approach and thus avoid "dirty dog syndrome". I cannot stress enough how vital movement is to your dog's wellbeing. Movement is how the body heals. Toxin flushing, proper circulation, oxygenation of the muscle tissue, joint hydration, and balance of the nervous and energetic systems all result from getting your mutt moving. Even if you have a couch canine, a gentle, daily stretching routine will provide your pup with a systemic boost. It really does not have to be all that complicated.

Have a porky pooch? Try feeding Fido 3-4 mini meals a day to boost his metabolism, rather than feeding once or twice a day. Does your pup show signs of achy joints? Incorporate some massage and stretching on a daily basis to help with the pain, rather than relying solely on prescription drugs. Are you troubled with behavior issues from your best buddy? Add more mental and physical stimulation to your dog's day and watch these issues subside.

Dogs, like humans, are complex and varied. So be patient and open-minded when working out the details of your dog's health plan. Respect the needs of your dog and your pup-parent bond will certainly blossom and flower. Since gratitude is an emotion that dog's have no problem showing, you will definitely know if you are embarking down the right path.

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