Health Connections for Dogs

There is a direct health connection between how much stimulation a dog receives both mentally and physically and their state of well-being. Food isn't everything that our canines need. Surprisingly, many people attempt to make up for lack of time spent with their companion through providing an endless stream of treats.

Our dogs require much more than that to feel happy and loved. It is a constant reminder when they grab a toy and deliver it to us. Mental and physical stimulation can be delivered in many ways. We only need to get creative!

By exercising the dog's brain we can offset many age-related changes. We need to provide them with an environment that is enriched with sensory experiences in their vision, hearing, smell and touch. Interactive toys, trick training, obedience training, freestyle dance, scent work, field trials and agility training all have them using their intelligence.

An experimental study done with rats who were overweight, elderly, and living boring and dull lives, has shown how important mental stimulation is to health. When this same study group was given a new and stimulating environment, they became very active and interested in all of the new stimuli. They lost weight, and became very happy.

Two very important findings were discovered from this experiment. Firstly, it proved that individual nerve cells are capable of growing new connections even at an older age. Secondly, this new growth was triggered from the exercising, experiencing new things and problem solving.

From mental stimulation, the brain will function more effectively and the aging process is slowed down. The importance of mental exercise can not be emphasized enough. As with people, so it is with dogs; the use it or lose it adage holds true.

Physical exercise for your dog goes beyond opening the back door and letting them out to do their own thing. Many people are so pressed for time these days that it has you questioning why they even got a pet. This is where breed type can be of importance.

Many young, working breed dogs require hours of exercise. They also need plenty of mental stimulation, or their intelligence can lead them into mischief. Three factors that need to be considered when obtaining a dog; their age, breed and personality. All this will indicate how much exercise they will need. Can you provide it?

So many of the challenges that arise with dogs today are from them not receiving enough exercise and human interaction. This is one reason why the animal shelters are bursting with strays and surrendered dogs.

Better moods, strengthened immune systems, decreased stress, and anti-aging factors, are all reasons to stimulate their minds and their body's. The health connection is invaluable. In the process, we reap the benefits of exercise as well and have a wonderful, happy and healthy dog to cherish!

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Some informational links:

Complementary, Alternative and Holistic Veterinary Medicine (information on alternative and holistic treatments)

Natural rearing of your pets (information on holistic care, vaccination studies, and dog health)

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