Pet parents are a savvy group. They know that preventative care can help improve their dog’s wellness and increase the number of years they have together. This commitment to health mirrors trends in human wellness as people seek holistic approaches and natural remedies for both their health and their pet’s health. A recent study shows that 88 percent of U.S. pet parents prioritize preventive care to safeguard their pets’ health, and 55 percent of Millennial pet owners prefer holistic and natural nutritional supplements over conventional pet medication. (1)
With greater awareness and options, it is no surprise that dog lovers are taking steps to help ensure the well-being of their furry companions. Trends in dog health and wellness include:
- Personalized nutrition: Pet parents increasingly look for food and supplements tailored to their dog’s needs and individuality, including breed, age, activity level, and health conditions.
- Holistic and natural approaches: There is a growing trend towards using holistic and natural approaches to dog health. This includes things like acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal remedies.
- Technology: Technology is increasingly important in dog health and wellness, such as wearable trackers that monitor a dog’s activity levels and sleep patterns and apps that provide information on dog care and training.
- Mental health: Dog owners are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health for their dogs, including enrichment activities such as toys, puzzles, and exercises, to prevent boredom and anxiety.
- Preventative care: More pet parents are taking their dogs to the vet for regular checkups and preventive care. These visits help identify and treat health problems early when they are most treatable.
These trends all help improve the health and well-being of dogs. As a result, dogs are living longer and healthier lives much to the delight of their human companions.
Overcoming Obstacles When Pursuing Dog Wellness
As dedicated as pet parents are to their favorite canine, it can be challenging to embrace a lot of the latest dog health and wellness trends. One obstacle is the cost. Holistic and natural treatments, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal remedies, can be significantly more expensive than conventional veterinary care. Personalized nutrition plans and high-quality dog food can also strain a pet owner’s budget.
Another challenge is finding qualified practitioners. Holistic veterinarians and animal acupuncturists may be scarce in certain areas, especially in rural or suburban regions. Pet owners may need to travel long distances or spend considerable time researching and vetting practitioners before finding a suitable provider.
Discerning reliable information can be overwhelming. The internet is flooded with advice and recommendations on dog health and wellness, but not all sources are credible. Pet owners must carefully evaluate the information they find and consult with trusted professionals to make informed decisions about their dog’s care. Finally, integrating new practices into their pet’s care routine can be time-consuming and expensive. Holistic approaches often require regular treatments, changes in diet, and lifestyle modifications. Pet owners need to decide on what time and investment they can to ensure their dog receives optimal care.
Navigating these obstacles can be daunting, but thankfully there are options and available help.
Help Choosing Dog Wellness
Do not despair, there is help for dedicated pet parents! Dog owners can get help choosing health and wellness practices by consulting with veterinarians who can provide personalized advice based on a dog’s individual needs and medical history. Online communities can offer support and advice from other dog owners who have experience with similar health issues, while workshops and webinars can provide in-depth information on specific dog health and wellness topics.
Here are some additional tips for finding support:
- Ask your veterinarian for referrals to other professionals, such as animal acupuncturists or massage therapists.
- Do your research online and read reviews of different practitioners before making an appointment.
- Talk to other dog owners in your area to see who they recommend.
- Be patient and persistent. It may take some time to find the right practitioner for your dog.
How Carson and Bear Helps
At Carson and Bear, we believe it should be simple, fun, and convenient to provide your dog with the care it deserves. That’s why we developed the Carson & Bear Dog Wellness Program. Our research-based platform provides a personalized approach to your dog’s nutrition in collaboration with your veterinarian. It’s a team effort that benefits your special canine.
The comprehensive program offers nutritional research, a new nutritional food topper, and easy-to-follow guidance that helps you proactively improve your dog’s health. Subscribers of the Carson & Bear Dog Wellness Program receive a monthly subscription that includes access to the Carson & Bear Kitchen, which provides easy, paw-licking recipes that meet your dog’s nutritional needs. They also receive the TailScore® app that tells you the truth about your dog’s food, monthly shipments of Carson & Bear Superfood, monthly fish oil topper for your dog’s meals, a personalized nutrition plan tailored to your dog’s needs, age, and breed, and a free second annual wellness checkup with your vet.
Health and wellness trends for dogs can provide many benefits for your furry friend, including improved overall health, reduced risk of disease, and enhanced quality of life. Many options can be implemented with a little help and guidance from trusted sources. Before making any changes to your dog’s routine, it is important to check with your veterinarian to ensure they are safe and appropriate.
(1) Petlife: Millennial pet owners leading the charge in the rapid growth of Holistic Pet Care. PetLife: Millennial Pet Owners Leading Charge in Rapid Growth of Holistic Pet Care | Business Wire. (2017, March 24).