How I keep my dog healthy and active naturally
Who knew that a recent visit to interval training would lead to me sharing Pax’s wellness routine and ultimately my own?
I love going to these classes because it gives me the opportunity to interact with fun people while getting my heart rate up, which many health experts say is important for health and longevity.
During one of the classes, my trainer Nicole and I started chatting and I mentioned that I have been a veterinarian for 35 years.
“How old are you?– she asked me.
“I will be 60 in January“, I answered a little hesitantly, because in my head 60 is ancient.😅
“What?! You’re as old as my dad and he can’t even move!Nicole answered.
I think I blushed a little and moved on to the next cardio segment, but I could tell Nicole was genuinely surprised at my fitness level and I honestly never thought I’d still be able to do as much as I do at this age.
Yes, I’ve had some injuries over the years, but overall I’ve been able to maintain the same body weight and fitness level I was 20 years ago.
You might be wondering why I don’t really talk about what I do to keep myself and Pax fit and healthy. It’s stupid of me, but the reason is that I don’t want you to get the impression that I’m “selling to you”.
However, I also know that not sharing means I am not helping you and your dog, which is my ultimate goal.
It’s scary to see the dogs and people we love and care for fall apart because no one took the time to share with them the basics of how to create lasting health.
So I’m once again forcing myself to overcome my deep-seated hesitation to share with you Pax’s wellness routine, as well as my own (soon to be) in bullet form.
Pax’s recovery schedule
1. Diet
Pax gets mainly raw meat and vegetable mixture. I serve his supplements in vegetables, with Omega-3 and extra virgin olive oil. He likes it that way.
I also make sure he gets bones at least 2-3 times a week. Some of the bones I pick are harder dental bones (but NOT bone marrow).
Here are some free resources to take the guesswork out of creating a healthy, balanced diet for your dog:
🐶 Free dog food recipe editor
🦴 dogs?_pos=1&_sid=b9c8c5f6e&_ss=r”>What are the best bones for dogs: the complete vet-approved guide
🥦 dogs?_pos=2&_sid=895453e24&_ss=r”>What vegetables are good for your dog?
🍎 dogs?_pos=1&_sid=006348dd5&_ss=r”>What fruits can dogs eat?
2. Supplements and detox
I give to Pax Fab4 supplements:
- dogs?_pos=1&_sid=cc097ec2b&_ss=r”>SoulFood – certified organic fermented multivitamins and kidney and liver support with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer herbs and superfoods
- dogs?_pos=2&_sid=972683e25&_ss=r”>GreenMin – natural minerals of plant origin and green superfoods rich in amino acids
- FeelGood Omega – stable Omega-3 squid oil without mercury
- GutSense – advanced canine probiotic and digestive support with prebiotics
Once every six months I take Pax because of the monthly liver cleanse LiverTune as life in the modern world makes exposure to toxins and heavy metals inevitable. Regular detoxification of the body is necessary to maintain the optimal health of our best friends, dogs.
3. Schedule of physical exercises
Pax gets at least 2 hours of walking each day as part of his wellness routine, but this can increase to a multi-day trip if possible. dogs love it.
Sometimes we walk around the city, spending a lot of time off-leash in parks and on trails. Pax likes to walk in the water, swim and fish. He chases animals when it’s good and enjoys just being a dog.
4. Ssocialization
Pax is definitely a social butterfly. He likes to be with other people, especially children, and when they are petted and hugged. Like many dogs, he is very happy to meet new people or people he doesn’t see often.
At one point I thought he was taking me for granted because he was a little warm when he greeted me. But when he refused to leave me or go out without me, even with close friends or family members, the question of whether he loved me was answered once and for all. I am definitely his person.
Sometimes we go and hang out at a coffee shop when we’re there Czech Republic, my native country dogs are allowed inside and as you can see from the picture, these places are fun, fun and great doggy social hubs.
5. Vaccination protocol
I’ve been writing about this topic for years, but over-vaccinating dogs is still very common. Click here to see my recommendations and current canine immunity protocol which has not failed for more than 25 years.
6. Prevention of ticks and fleas
I do not recommend any conventional dog flea and tick control products as there have been many serious adverse reactions, such as seizures, organ toxicity and, unfortunately, fatalities caused by almost all major brands of fleas and ticks.
I use FleaHex on Pax, only if I see fleas, but that’s very, very rare. It works very well in breaking the flea cycle.
If I walk Pax in an area with ticks, I use TickHex. I apply it before my first walk and check for ticks when I get home. With a strong tick infestation, apply more often during the day.
7. Injuries and physical therapy
Like a crazy boy who likes to run super fast, Pax pulled his iliopsoas muscle—the one that runs along the back and attaches above the pelvis to the femur.
Now I have to be careful not to pull it over at full speed. He likes to chase squirrels, marmots and woodpeckers and has to fight a bit to keep from getting hurt again.
I’m sharing this so you don’t think I don’t have my own issues with Pax. Life finds its ways to teach us lessons.
My partner is a physical therapist, so Pax regularly receives IMS (acupuncture), chiropractic, massage, and we do a variety of exercises as part of his preventative care.
8. Basic things for walking
My rule of thumb is to never put a leash on Pax’s collar to protect his neck, thyroid and nerves.
The vagus nerve, which originates from the cervical spine, regulates the heart, lungs, digestive tract, kidneys, and vascular function. Many things go wrong with a collar wound. Unfortunately, the connection between the collar, neck, vagus nerve and organ health is often overlooked in conventional medicine.
It took me years to find the right dog walking equipment, but I definitely settled on Gentle leasha lightweight, shock-absorbing wool leash that looks fantastic and Belts perfect fita comfortable and safe UK made dog harness that we have been offering in our shop for many years.
There’s one more thing you’ll want to check before you go. We recently updated A remedy for a healthy dogour free training tool to help you become a more knowledgeable and confident dog parent.
Use the Healthy dog tool to
- Choose the right supplements for your dog‘s health needs and receive a personalized weekly plan with dosing instructions.
- Find articles on natural dog health and nutrition based on your interests or concerns about your dog.
What happens next?
- What I do to stay fit and healthy into my 60s
- Exciting news about my new mobility and joint canine formula — soon!
Have a great day and give your dog a hug from me!
